Respiratory Therapist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for independently performing respiratory care procedures that require the ability to interpret physician orders, assess resident needs, deliver prescribed therapy, and evaluate resident response. This position functions as a consultant, educator, and clinician to nursing and interdisciplinary staff. Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available , with 12-hour shifts scheduled based on facility needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) licensed in the state of practice.
• Possess effective communication skills to maintain positive relationships with residents, families, staff, physicians, consultants, providers, governmental agencies, and the community.
• Current knowledge of local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations related to respiratory care and skilled nursing services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promotes healing and recovery of residents whose cardiac or pulmonary systems have been compromised through illness or injury by providing respiratory care, diagnostic testing, resident education, and psychosocial support.
• Provides safe and effective administration of respiratory therapies, including intermittent and continuous treatments, mechanical ventilation, airway management, and non-invasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring.
• Provides the setup, administration, and therapeutic use of medical gases and delivery systems, environmental control systems, humidification, aerosols, medications, ventilatory support, airway management, and chest physiotherapy.
• Assists with the clinical management of respiratory services, including case management, quality improvement initiatives, care planning, clinical utilization review, and resident identification.
• Ensures appropriate management of respiratory-related reimbursement, documentation, billing, resident records, and equipment records.
• Collaborates with nursing leadership and interdisciplinary team members to integrate respiratory care into daily resident care practices and provides staff education and training as needed.
• Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates respiratory therapy care and life-support measures for residents throughout the facility while promoting efficient and effective respiratory services.
• Coordinates respiratory equipment needs, including ordering, receiving, documenting, tracking, and maintaining equipment and related services.
• Communicates effectively with residents, families, physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers regarding changes in condition, treatment plans, and respiratory care needs.
• Participates in the development and implementation of discharge plans to ensure continuity of respiratory care services.
• Tracks and maintains preventative maintenance schedules and follow-up requirements for respiratory therapy equipment.
• Assesses developmental and age-specific needs across the lifespan and adjusts care and education accordingly.
• Responsible for the provision and coordination of respiratory-related medical equipment and supplies as ordered by a physician.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Duties may be modified at any time, with or without notice, to meet operational needs.