Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

More than just a job, it's a vocation

Location: MO - Our Organization, 1201 Grand

Worker Type: Regular

Position Highlights:

Our organization, a LEVEL 1 facility specializing in Time Critical Diagnosis for Stroke, Trauma, and STEMI, leads the way in innovative medical treatments, procedures, clinical trials, and comprehensive patient care.We are looking for a Registered Respiratory Therapist to become part of our team and are excited to offer a $20,000 sign-on bonus for new external applicants!*

• Schedule: Full-time, Night Shift. 36 hours per week, consisting of 3 twelve-hour shifts. Rotating weekends and holidays.
• Shift Differentials: Available for night shifts, weekends, and additional shifts.
• Required: RRT MO Licensure.

* Only qualified external candidates will be eligible for the sign-on bonus and relocation programs.

Position Overview:

The respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional responsible for executing all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to respiratory care as outlined by the Department of Respiratory Care. This role requires an energetic and motivated individual dedicated to the success of a growing service. The therapist should consult supervisory staff in uncertain situations.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

Essential Job Accountabilities:

1. Maintain professional and respectful relationships with colleagues to foster a culture of safety.

2. Execute all therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory procedures in line with departmental policies and protocols. This includes (50%):

• A. Implementing and assessing the function of oxygen and therapeutic gases.
• B. Ensuring proper setup and execution of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• C. Administering aerosolized medications.
• D. Providing CPT and IPV.
• E. Setting up and monitoring ventilators according to departmental and hospital guidelines.
• F. Collaborating with peers and staff to enhance inter- and intra-departmental services and addressing issues with relevant personnel.
• G. Performing CPR.
• H. Conducting diagnostic procedures, including but not limited to:
• 1. ABG analysis
• 2. Pulse Oximetry
• 3. Nitric Oxide pulmonary hypertension studies

3. The licensed respiratory therapist will assess each patient's condition to determine care needs and ensure ongoing evaluation in response to treatment.

• A. Monitoring vital signs before and after therapy.
• B. Evaluating breath sounds pre- and post-therapy.
• C. Verifying physician orders for therapy.
• D. Conducting pre- and post-assessments for therapy tolerance and response.
• E. Assessing oxygen requirements.
• F. Observing sputum characteristics.
• G. Noting other patient-specific observations as necessary.

4. Special Duties: Ability to collaborate with physicians and nurses, potentially in an intensive care unit setting (25%):

• A. Responding to critical areas (e.g., ER, OR, Code).
• B. Performing routine checks on Life Support Units.
• C. Assisting with bronchoscopy procedures.
• D. Supporting minor cardiopulmonary invasive or surgical procedures.
• E. Providing tracheotomy care.
• F. Conducting bedside studies, including ventilator mechanics and metabolic cart studies.
• G. Performing bedside pulmonary function tests.
• H. Interpreting complex laboratory data.
• I. Contributing to patient care decisions on and off life support systems.
• J. Offering insights during physician consultations regarding patient care.
• K. Demonstrating independent thinking in daily responsibilities.
• L. Assisting in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia based on current evidence.

5. Execute all other aspects of Respiratory Care in accordance with hospital policies (5%):

• A. Attending monthly department meetings, specialty meetings, and required in-services.
• B. Ensuring accurate recording of time and attendance exceptions.
• C. Communicating with physicians regarding therapies and therapeutic goals.

6. Additional Duties as Required (5%):

• A. Cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing reusable respiratory and bronchoscopy equipment.
• B. Performing routine mechanical maintenance on respiratory equipment.
• C. Keeping work and storage areas organized and clean.
• D. Maintaining accurate records.
• E. Answering phones professionally and promptly.

7. Safety/Infection Control: Adhering to safety and infection control policies (5%):

• A. Following universal precautions and disposing of hazardous waste according to guidelines.
• B. Ensuring a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for patients, families, and staff.
• C. Reporting risk management concerns.
• D. Completing all annual mandatory training requirements.
• E. Maintaining a constant state of alertness and safety.

8. Service Excellence: Delivering high-quality care in a courteous and respectful manner (10%):

• A. Explaining therapy to patients prior to initiation.
• B. Being courteous to patients, families, visitors, and colleagues.
• C. Respecting patient rights and confidentiality.

9. Quality Improvement: Integrating Quality Assessment into daily work (5%):

• A. Assisting in data collection for reporting.
• B. Completing documentation promptly and accurately.
• C. Reporting quality issues to management for review.

10. Age-Appropriate Care: Providing care suitable for various age groups:

• Infant
• Child
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Geriatric

11. Specialized Care: Delivering specialized care to high-risk patients (1%):

• A. Restraint Care: Evaluating alternatives to restraint prior to application.
• B. Pain Management: Assessing and incorporating patient beliefs into pain management plans.
• C. Abuse Assessment: Recognizing and reporting signs of potential abuse or neglect.

Disclaimer: Additional related duties may be assigned as needed.

Job Specifications:

Minimum Education: Graduate of an AMA-approved Respiratory Therapy program preferred.

Minimum Experience: Demonstrated leadership skills are desirable.

Required Licensure: Registered with the N.B.R.C and licensed in Missouri within six months of hire.

Independent Action: Ability to provide high-quality therapy with moderate supervision and make independent decisions in both critical and non-critical care settings.

Work Environment: Must be able to endure long hours of walking and standing, respond quickly in emergencies, and handle moderate weights. Exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials is expected.

Protective Requirements:

• Eye protection
• Gowns
• Lab coat
• Mask
• Sterile and non-sterile gloves
• Lead aprons

Contact with Others:

• Demonstrating a willingness to provide comfort and assistance to patients.
• Maintaining a cooperative and friendly demeanor with all personnel.
• Exhibiting professionalism at all times.
• Consulting supervisors when faced with unusual situations.

Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with equipment used for therapy and diagnostic procedures is essential.

Physical Requirements:

• Heavy physical effort (lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs).
• Prolonged standing and walking.
• Ability to lift, position, push, and transfer patients.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills are necessary.

Vision Requirements: Ability to adjust vision for varying light conditions.

Required Professional Licenses and Certifications:

• Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Respiratory Care Practitioner - Missouri Division of Professional Registration

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Benefits

We value our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package tailored to their needs.

• Paid Parental Leave: Eligible team members receive one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
• Flexible Payment Options: Our voluntary benefit through DailyPay allows eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
• Upfront Tuition Coverage: We provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.