Respiratory Therapist

Certified Respiratory TherapistThe Certified Respiratory Therapist provides services to adult through neonatal patients. They provide general respiratory therapy, critical care, and limited diagnostics. Therapists are expected to work and respond to all areas of the hospital.ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of the Certified Respiratory Therapist include:Performs and accurately records technical procedures safely, effectively, efficiently, and within scope of policy.Gives rationale for actions, decisions, and clinical care, based on scientific principles, clinical practice guidelines, or successful experience.Patient care procedures include:Oxygen/Aerosol TherapyBronchial HygienePostural Drainage and PercussionIntermittent Positive Pressure Breathing, VPEP, PEP, PAPIntrapulmonary Percussive VentilationCough AssistAerosolized MedicationsHand Held NebulizerMetered Dose InhalerDry Powder InhalerAdult/Pediatric/Neonatal Critical CareCPAP/BiPAPMechanical ventilation including transportBlood collection and analysisEmergency tracheostomy tube replacementBedside Pulmonary Function TestingDemonstrate leadership skillsRequires decision making that will affect othersResponsible to achieve outcomesMust be able to communicate clearly and accuratelyAbility to delegate to team members and studentsMust be able to receive delegationAddress conflict and stressful situationCommunicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussionDealing with unpleasant or verbally/physically aggressive personalitiesMust be able to use electronic mail, telephone and textingMust be able to work in groupsMust be able to perform structured and unstructured workParticipates on call rotation as needed for patient careMust be meet time pressure and time linesIncludes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutionsRequires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.Advocate for and participant in patient safetyPerform Low/High Level Disinfection as per manufacturer's recommendation (IFU)Performs and accurately records technical procedures safely, effectively, efficiently, and within scope of policyAccountability related to meeting/exceeding department goals, DCH Values, DCH Mission and VisionDCH Standards:Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee HandbookMust adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.All other duties as assigned.QualificationsThe qualifications for the Certified Respiratory Therapist include:Current Alabama licensure.Holds active credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) within one year of graduationAssociate Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor's degree preferred or holds a certificate in Respiratory Therapy 4. Membership in appropriate professional organization (i.e. American Association for Respiratory Care, Alabama Society for Respiratory Care) is strongly encouragedBCLS providerPALS preferred for staff working in the Emergency Department.Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend EnglishACLS within one year of employment and NRP if NICU trainedResponsible for obtaining needed continuing education for licensureWorking Conditions:Work ContextEnvironmental Conditions: Includes exposure to human fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.Psychological Conditions: Includes demonstrating leadership skills. Delegating to team members, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results.Physical FactorsAbility to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking.Ability to lift and carry up to a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds.Able to reach reasonable distances in any direction.Ability to run in emergency situations.Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner.Must have ability to feel and perceive temperatures, texture, shape and size with fingertips.Physical presence onsite is essential.Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.