Respiratory Therapist [License Pending]

Respiratory Therapist [License Pending]

This position provides simple, intermediate, and complex therapeutic and diagnostic procedures within the general care floors and special care units. This position assists with maintaining and improving patient respiratory care through the application and administration of various medications, gases, devices, and procedures. This position will work under the direct supervision of a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner. Specialization may be in adult LTAC respiratory care. This position exemplifies the RML mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with RML policies and procedures.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Supports the Mission and Vision of RML Specialty Hospital by demonstrating RML's Core Values of Services, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Stewardship (STAIRS) in all actions. Promotes a positive patient/customer experience by exemplifying the principles of the Language of Caring in all interactions with patients, families, and coworkers.
2. Assists in administering, monitoring, and weaning mechanical ventilation; makes ventilator recommendations based on clinical assessment, technical assessment, and laboratory values; manages airways
3. Administers bronchial hygiene and treatment procedures including aerosol therapies, chest physical therapy, and therapeutic gas administration; analyzes gases where applicable; procures and delivers gases using central piping systems and gas cylinders
4. Assists in assessing patients clinically before and after the administration or application of any medication, procedure, or device; recommends appropriate therapy including initial therapy, changes in therapy, and discontinuance of therapy
5. Documents work timely, completely, and accurately, including documentation in the patient medical record, documentation in the department records, and patient billing
6. Assesses patient oxygenation, ventilation, and hemodynamic status through clinical observation, patient assessment, physiologic monitoring including oximetry, capnography, ventilator waveform analysis, and cardiac output, ECG, and laboratory values; provides interventions within the scope of the Rapid Response Team, performs CPR.
7. Provides patient/family education
8. Demonstrates clinical competence by consistently applying respiratory knowledge and performs within the scope of practice of a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of Illinois. Responsible for maintaining knowledge and skills appropriate to the respiratory needs of patients at RML (equipment, procedures, respiratory medications, etc.). Obtains necessary information and demonstrates competence prior to implementing new or unfamiliar care practices, or responsibly declines to provide assigned care and notifies supervisor until able to obtain the appropriate skill.
9. Assists in the assembly, disassembly, cleaning, and processing of respiratory therapy equipment according to department policies
10. Assesses patients' progress in accordance with established goals and initiates appropriate actions. Documents thoroughly in Meditech regarding patient's condition and interventions performed (e.g., medications given, treatments performed, etc.) Reports significant information to all appropriate individuals (change of shift report, change in condition to RN and/or MD, etc.). Ensures patient acuity is accurate for assigned shift in OptiLink.
11. Actively participates in staff meetings and continuing education activities. Provides information and feedback to other staff members on related clinical and professional topics. Meets all employee requirements including but not limited to: license renewal, flu/fit testing, CPR, general annual review, annual Clinical Validation, and performance evaluation by demonstrating completion or participating in the required activity prior to expiration or due date
12. Responsible for supporting a safe work environment for self and others, by reporting unsafe conditions, and by using appropriate safe work practices such as proper body mechanics and applicable safety devices (patient lift and transfer equipment, safety needles and sharps disposal, PPE, etc.)
13. Supports RML's efforts towards becoming a High Reliability Organization.

Required Job Qualifications:

1. Must be a graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory Care program
2. BLS is required upon hire.
3. New graduates should acquire as soon as possible, but do have three months from the time of graduation or hire, whichever is later, to obtain:

• The State of Illinois Respiratory Care Practitioner license (the National Board for Respiratory Care Certified Respiratory Therapist credential is a prerequisite).
• The NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist credential

Job Requirements & Characteristics

Minimum - Preferred

Skills & Abilities - BLS upon hire Thorough knowledge of respiratory care procedures, equipment and respiratory pharmacological agents to recommend and perform therapy. The clinical knowledge and technical skills to operate instruments associated with moderate complexity and waived testing. Interpretation of results and critical notification to staff. The analytic skill to access a patient and perform phlebotomy. The interpersonal skills necessary to positively interact with patients, families, physicians and other members of the health care team The ability to perform effectively and efficiently under the pressure of stressful and/or emergency situations

Knowledge & Experience - Clinical skills to evaluate patients Minimum 1-year acute patient care experience, including adult patients in rotations Clinical competence documented by references based on respiratory care experience and education

License & Certifications - Graduate of CoARC respiratory care program upon hire. - ACLS

Working Conditions - Work is performed in a patient care environment. May be exposed to hazardous materials, including but not limited to bloodborne pathogens and medical gases under pressure