Registered Respiratory Therapist Applicant

Overview The Respiratory Therapy Applicant participates in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Responsible for the management of life support systems and responding to medical emergencies within the hospital. The Respiratory Therapy Applicant may perform all tasks included in their license practice act within department guidelines and policies. The position relies on education and entry‑level training to complete responsibilities. The Respiratory Therapy Applicant must function with some supervision, relying on their education and the guidance of the physician and supervisory staff. Responsibilities Compliance/Quality: Observes and adheres to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, and follows all safety, quality assurance, and infection control standards. Documentation: Efficiently records pertinent patient care data utilizing the computerized medical record or manual documentation to promote timely and efficient access to required information throughout the organization. Preserves the confidentiality of data and information identified as sensitive for the protection of patient dignity and privacy. Patient Care Delivery: Consults with physicians concerning respiratory care procedures, initiates bronchodilator therapy in situations of respiratory distress, attends Code Blue and MET calls, transports patients requiring respiratory assistance. Equipment Management: Checks patient oxygen equipment, spot-checks respiratory care equipment and nebulizers, ensuring proper equipment operation and the provision of high‑quality health care services. Ventilation Support: Prepares, initiates, and monitors patient respiratory ventilator systems, and ensures adequate ventilation levels during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and routine mechanical ventilation to maintain continuity and quality of patient care services. Collaboration/Partnerships: Administers and assesses respiratory therapy procedures (e.g., handheld nebulizers, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, nasotracheal and tracheal suctioning), assesses therapy effectiveness, and prepares equipment and medications following physician orders in a professional and considerate manner. Professional Interaction: Assesses patient condition and compliance, recommends appropriate therapy, and communicates with peers, nursing and medical staff professionally to support best patient outcomes and a positive work atmosphere. Professional Development: Draws from in‑dwelling lines and obtains, analyzes, and interprets arterial samples in accordance with departmental policy and hospital standards. Assists in the education of respiratory employees on proper arterial puncture procedures to ensure high‑quality respiratory procedures. Competency & Education: Maintains competency in arterial line insertion, intubation, and advanced ventilation (including oscillation and nitric oxide). Completes competency assessments for peers and students. Teaches at least one department in‑service per year. Maintains BLS, ACLS and PALS (PALS required only if working in Pediatric area). Professional Involvement: Works to improve and advance the profession by serving on departmental/hospital committees, completing community service projects, or maintaining membership in professional organizations that reflect positively on the respiratory therapy profession or the organization. Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned or requested. Qualifications Enrolled in a CoARC‑accredited program Given the suspension of the NBRC testing, permits will be extended or renewed for the time period up to and including 120 days after the Governor ends the Public Health Emergency Current Louisiana State Temporary Permit issued by LSBME OR Senior student in accredited program and BLS certification; ACLS within 1 year of hire #J-18808-Ljbffr FMOL Health