Respiratory Therapist, Inpatient Rehabilitation

The Respiratory Therapist provides comprehensive respiratory care to patients in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. The Respiratory Therapist assesses, treats, monitors, and educates patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders and provides care consistent with physician orders, established protocols, and the patient’s individualized plan of care. The Respiratory Therapist works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to optimize respiratory function, promote medical stability, support participation in rehabilitation, and facilitate the patient’s transition to the next level of care. The position requires sound clinical judgment, strong assessment skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage patients with a variety of complex respiratory needs, including tracheostomies, supplemental oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, and mechanical ventilation, as applicable to the rehabilitation program. Performs comprehensive respiratory assessments, including evaluation of breath sounds, respiratory rate, work of breathing, oxygenation, airway patency, and overall cardiopulmonary status. Develops and implements individualized respiratory care interventions based on physician orders, patient assessment, established protocols, and the patient’s plan of care. Administers respiratory treatments, including oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, bronchial hygiene, airway clearance, lung expansion therapies, and other prescribed respiratory interventions. Provides tracheostomy care, including routine assessment, suctioning, maintenance, and tracheostomy tube changes within established competencies, policies, and scope of practice. Manages and monitors patients receiving non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, as applicable to the rehabilitation program. Assists with ventilator weaning and respiratory management in collaboration with physicians and the interdisciplinary care team. Monitors and evaluates patient response to respiratory treatments and communicates significant changes in respiratory status to the appropriate healthcare providers. Performs and/or assists with appropriate respiratory diagnostic procedures, including pulse oximetry, capnography, pulmonary function testing, respiratory muscle strength measurements, and arterial blood gas collection and analysis, as applicable. Provides airway clearance and secretion management interventions, including suctioning and other therapies appropriate to the patient’s clinical condition. Participates in emergency response and resuscitation activities and provides respiratory support in accordance with organizational policies and current clinical competencies. Collaborates with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, physicians, case management, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to support the patient’s rehabilitation goals. Educates patients and families regarding respiratory disease management, medications, oxygen therapy, airway care, respiratory equipment, infection prevention, and strategies for managing respiratory needs after discharge. Assess patient and caregiver readiness and competency related to respiratory equipment and treatment techniques prior to discharge. Participates in interdisciplinary care planning and contributes respiratory recommendations to support safe and effective patient care. Documents respiratory assessments, treatments, patient response, education, and other required information accurately and timely in the medical record. Maintains current knowledge of respiratory care practices, equipment, technology, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Maintains competency in the operation, cleaning, troubleshooting, and appropriate use of respiratory care equipment. Participates in quality improvement initiatives, staff education, competency programs, and other departmental activities as assigned. Provides instruction and clinical guidance to respiratory therapy students and interns as appropriate. Qualifications: Current Arizona Respiratory Therapist license. Current credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC); RRT preferred/required based on organizational requirements. Current hands-on BLS certification. #J-18808-Ljbffr AARC