Respiratory Therapist - PRN Status - (BLH/BSH)

Title Respiratory Therapist – PRN Status – Bronson LakeView Hospital Location BLH Bronson LakeView Hospital Under general supervision from the Respiratory manager and/or Director, and in accordance with the policies and guidelines established within the organization, the respiratory therapist routinely functions in patient care areas of the hospital. The respiratory therapist follows provider prescriptions and established policies and procedures, initiates and administers respiratory care to patients with cardiopulmonary abnormalities and deficiencies, and serves as a resource of knowledge to providers, nurses, and other hospital team members regarding advanced respiratory diagnosis and rehabilitation. Minimum Requirements Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy (AS); Bachelor’s degree preferred. Current Respiratory Therapist license in the State of Michigan. Registered Respiratory Therapist credentials (RRT) required within 1 year of hire for those hired after 2004. Completion of AHA courses: BLS, ACLS, PALS, and AAP-NRP as required by site; BLS certification within 3 months of hire, ACLS, PALS, and NRP within 1 year of hire. For BLH only: Associate’s degree or graduation from a hospital-based program and 5 years of experience; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Job duties include work that produces levels of mental/visual fatigue typical of jobs with varied duties and frequent, uncontrollable deadlines. Tasks include standing or walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, assisting with patient transport, and performing other physical tasks as required. Responsibilities Supports the mission, vision and values of the hospital. Works in a safe and protective manner at all times, ensuring that safety and environmental hazards are addressed. Provides patient’s respiratory therapy and communicates findings to appropriate personnel. Evaluates objective and subjective information in a logical and thorough manner, discusses conclusions with providers and nurses to resolve patient problems promptly. Routinely evaluates blood gases (both invasive and non-invasive) and suggests therapy changes based on ABG results. Communicates ventilator recommendations to providers and nursing based on patient evaluation and blood gases. Checks that provider orders are complete and administers therapy accordingly. Performs all respiratory therapies (age-specific) in accordance with provider orders, protocols, or guidelines. Explains therapy to the patient in understandable terms according to age/learning capabilities. Assesses patient response to therapy and makes recommendations to the provider accordingly or according to protocol guidelines if appropriate. Administers, assesses and titrates oxygen therapy; assesses patient response and modifies therapy according to respiratory protocols. Notifies Manager, nursing personnel and providers of any adverse patient reactions. Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and assists with “Code Blue,” as necessary. Arrives at “Code Blue” in a timely manner; performs appropriate life support according to BLS, ACLS, NRP and PALS guidelines as per site specific responsibilities. Assists provider or performs (if competency complete) with tracheal intubation. Maintains artificial airways (endotracheal tube and tracheostomy tubes) in accordance with department policy (i.e., suctioning and securing endotracheal tubes). Maintains stability of artificial airways; ensures tube security and repositions endotracheal tubes according to policy. Appropriately utilizes infant and pediatric resuscitation equipment in emergency situations, including PEEP adaptations and pop-off valves. Provides assistance with patient and family education along with other members of the healthcare team. Performs basic pulmonary function testing, EKGs, arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, end tidal CO2 monitoring, and transcutaneous oximetry in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Assists with bedside bronchoscopies, intubations, and extubations in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Performs naso-tracheal, endo-tracheal, tracheal suction and sample collections in accordance with departmental procedures. Assists with patient transport via walking, wheelchair, gurney, or crib for safe delivery of continuum of care; may be responsible for assisting with ambulance transports within one facility to another. Standards Of Professional Performance Accurately communicates patient diagnosis and therapy during shift reports. Accurately charges patients for all therapies performed. Takes an active role in the supervision and instruction of Respiratory Care students; completes the required preceptor course and develops their clinical skills. Works in response to fluctuations in patient census and relative value units; works overtime when necessary; changes shift hours for department needs. Maintains and cleans respiratory equipment for readiness and supply availability. Orients and instructs others (new department personnel, nursing, students, and respiratory personnel) in Respiratory Care procedures as required. Attends in-services and online learning and complies with minimal working requirements and education without prompting from manager. Participates in department and hospital-wide organizational process improvement activities. Assumes personal responsibility for related duties as required or assigned per site specific. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement initiatives. Shift Variable Time Type Part time Scheduled Weekly Hours 10 Cost Center 4700 Respiratory Care (BLH) #J-18808-Ljbffr Bronson Healthcare