Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary:

The Respiratory Therapist performs, assists, and instructs in all therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory careareas for inpatient and outpatient populations ranging from infants to adults.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Prioritize patient workload based on acuity.
• Assess patient needs in respiratory therapy and provide recommendations to attending physicians.
• Administer therapeutic interventions such as oxygen administration, bland aerosol, aerosolized bronchodilator therapy, chest percussion/vibration, bronchial hygiene, and sustained maximal inspiration.
• Document all therapeutic procedures in patient charts adhering to standard operating procedures.
• Conduct cardiopulmonary diagnostics accurately as per physician orders, including arterial puncture, arterial blood gas sampling, electrocardiogram, pulse oximetry, capnography, pulmonary function testing, and bronchoscopy assistance.
• Assess effectiveness of life support interventions and provide recommendations.
• Perform basic and advanced life support procedures, including invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, bi-level pressure support, and continuous positive airway pressure support.
• Document ventilatory parameters and changes according to protocol.
• Assess learning needs of patients and family members related to cardiopulmonary disease.
• Plan and deliver education tailored to individual needs.
• Serve as a resource and provide in-service education in specialized areas.
• Instruct on the use of respiratory therapy devices for home care.
• Evaluate effectiveness of teaching and adjust plans accordingly.
• Document all patient/family training before end of shift.
• Actively participate in discharge planning.
• Execute provider orders and provide recommendations as necessary.
• Manage medical supply inventories responsibly.
• Maintain emergency airway carts.
• Process dirty equipment according to infection control policies.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in patient’s EMR including charge entry.
• Collaborate with other clinical departments for quality care.
• Attend mandated in-services and department staff meetings.
• Apply evidence-based best practices in patient care.
• Maintain up-to-date certifications and safety training.
• Complete annual/critical competencies.
• Identify personal learning needs and seek opportunities and keep educational training log current.
• Stay informed about changes and advances in the field.
• Maintains required licenses, certifications, and competencies, and completes annual compliance courses on time.
• Supporting student learning is a shared responsibility. Every team member is expected to contribute to creating a welcoming environment and to actively assist students in their educational experience, regardless of their specific role.
• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements:

Job Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills a must and ability to handle multiple priorities, independent discretion/decision making, makes decisions under pressure,
• Manage anger/fear/hostility/violence, manage stress appropriately, work alone, work with others.
• Strong knowledge of stabilization through transport of patients with RDS, invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, inhaled bronchodilator therapy, and arterial blood gas sampling.
• Ability to assess of respiratory distress.
• Attention to detail extremely important.
• Medical terminology a must.
• Computer literate.
• Patient advocacy.
• Must be able to read, speak and comprehend the English language.
• Although typically works three 12-hour days, flexibility required to provide coverage during hours that services are provided: 24 hours/day, 7 days per week. Rotating weekends and holidays.

Education and Experience:

• Active BLS, ACLS, and NRP certifications required within 30 days of hire.
• 1 year of respiratory therapy preferred.
• Must have completed an AMA approved Respiratory Therapy program earning a two-year associate degree in respiratory care.
• Current State License to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

OSHA standards Category I, exposure to blood/body fluids or tissue. Must be able to work in a highpaced environment where multi-tasking, prioritizing and sound decision-making skills are required. Exposed to disease, illness, infections, strains, and physical injury. Must possess the physical and mentalabilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting,(standing up to 8+ hours), twisting, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Lifting/carrying frequently up to 50 pounds, lift/carry up from floor up to waist 50lbs. and lift from waist level up to 30 lbs. Some stress is related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• OSHA approved respirator
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Gown
• Other

Americans with Disabilities Statement:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct:

Every St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conductand to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

Covenant Health Mission Statement:

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

• Compassion We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.
• Integrity We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.
• Collaboration We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.
• Excellence We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).

Comp Range:

$30.32 - $41.76

Rate of pay displayed reflects the beginning of the pay scale. At the time of an offer, determination of your offer will reflect your skills and experience as it relates to the position.

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