Respiratory Therapist

Job Opportunity In BirminghamHere is your opportunity to really help your community in a skilled nursing facility in Birmingham.ResponsibilitiesSet up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.Provide assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.Read prescription and review patient information to assess patient condition.Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.Teach, train, supervise, and utilize the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, and assistants.Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.QualificationsCurrent active respiratory therapist license with no disciplinary action documentedExperience in skilled nursing and home health care settings and preferably a working relationship with hospital in close proximity to primary facilityFlexibility in hours and reporting based on urgent need - short notice assignments and weekend availabilityTMC is an equal opportunity employer.