Respiratory Therapist

Vista Ridge Care and Rehabilitation - Under new operator, skilled nursing facility is seeking a compassionate and well‑versed Respiratory Therapist for consideration to lead a midsize facility situated in Pueblo, Colorado. This building is home to a diverse group of long‑term residents, cared for by seasoned staff with good staffing ratios, who are stewarded by a well‑equipped clinical team and Administrator with years of experience in the geriatric field. Our beautiful facility stewards a diverse patient demographic that includes dementia care, skilled rehabilitation, long term and hospice services that allows you to fit in where you find your passion as a caregiver. Policies and processes have been created so we can have a proactive focus on bettering the lives we serve. The ideal candidate will be a Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist, licensed in the State of Colorado, with a love of servant leadership. Alongside the Director of Nursing and Infection Preventionist the RT will execute treatments and interventions necessary to create an atmosphere of health and wellbeing establishing tangible goals and tracking the progress of those we steward! Apply today! Under the supervision of the Director of Nursing the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing respiratory care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, state and federal guidelines, and the department policies and procedures. Main Responsibilities Maintains knowledge of the varying aspects of all things Pulmonary as allowed within the therapist scope and licensure of the long‑term care facility. Administers respiratory therapy treatments and interventions, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each. Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation. Makes appropriate nursing contact for intervention. Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures and maintains effective infection control. Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any extension of the Pulmonary Program. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on residents of varying acuity and age and life station. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently. Maintains thorough knowledge of hazards of oxygen therapy. Formulates care plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning; patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that physician orders and facility policy is followed. Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment. Demonstrates the ability to deal with pressure to meet deadlines, to be accurate, and to handle constantly changing situations. Demonstrates the ability to deal with a variety of people, deal with stressful situations, and handle conflict. Attends and conducts education in‑service programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate program‑specific education and training. Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager. In charge therapist role, is responsible for the daily operation of the shift, including work assignments, troubleshooting, responding to emergencies, and liaison with nurses, Director of Nursing, the Administrator and Physicians. Remain proficient in PFTs and Bronchoscopes. Professional Requirements Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner. Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. Complies with State and Federal Guidelines, along with Organizational Policies and Procedures. Complies with Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines. Qualifications Education/Experience Requirements Current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure. Graduate of an AMA‑approved School of Respiratory Therapy. Possesses and Maintains an active CRT or RRT credential. Current ACLS and BLS Certification. #J-18808-Ljbffr