Registered Respiratory Therapist - PRN

Respiratory Therapist - PRN

Position Overview:

The Respiratory Therapist under the supervision of the Medical Director and Department Manager is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician's orders, department policies and procedures to patients across the lifespan. This position is for a day shift (7 AM - 7 PM) on a PRN basis.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluates the need for service delivery by incorporating established protocols, physical assessment, physician interaction, patient history, and clinical judgement into the decision process. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients, as well as the general patient population.
• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert to and assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery. Utilizes data and laboratory findings in conjunction with knowledge of specific disease/injury/process data to optimize care delivery.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each. Provides the type and frequency of service consistent with patient needs.
• Applies understanding of cardio-respiratory anatomy and physiology of respiratory care practices. Maintains and applies knowledge of indications, actions, interactions, and adverse reactions of respiratory active drugs to include those which produce a secondary respiratory effect, to provide optical patient care.
• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation. Make appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents all pertinent data on the patient's medical record following completion of any service.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks and their proper usage.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently. Troubleshoots respiratory equipment, as needed.
• Removes and labels contaminated or malfunctioning equipment for processing, as defined in department procedures.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of hazards of oxygen therapy.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning, Patient's family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients' needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment. Promptly responds to requests for care.
• Provides timely reports on transferred patients, to receiving therapist which include priority status and pertinent case related data.
• Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.
• Other duties as assigned.

McKenzie Health reserves the right to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities as necessary. The description of critical job features is not exhaustive and may change as deemed appropriate.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment
• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
• Pushing and pulling heavy objects
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients
• Manual and finger dexterity
• Hand and eye coordination
• Standing and walking for extensive periods of time
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Must be proficient in the use of all equipment required for the delivery of Respiratory therapy therapeutic and diagnostic services.
• Adept at handling stressful situations and maintaining composure.
• Strong knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, and common cardiopulmonary conditions.
• Proficiency in performing and interpreting cardiopulmonary tests.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening.

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited American Medical Association (AMA) approved School of Respiratory Therapy with an Associates or Bachelor's (preferred) degree in respiratory care.
• A minimum of Three (3) years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services preferred

Licenses and Certifications:

• Current North Dakota Respiratory Therapist Licensure.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or (RRT) credentials as attained through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and maintain active status according to NBRC credentialing requirements.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or must obtain within 90 days of hire or placement in the position.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification or must obtain within 90 days of hire or placement in the position.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification or must obtain within 90 days of hire or placement in the position.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification or must obtain within 90 days of hire or placement in the position.

McKenzie Health is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.