RRT

Respiratory Therapist

This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by providing bedside respiratory care to patients as assigned by supervisors and given on the physician's written order for all respiratory therapy modalities in an inpatient setting. Responsibilities may also include outpatient pulmonary function testing.

Job duties include performing all forms of respiratory therapy according to prescribed physician orders and standing written policies and procedures. Performs ventilator set-up and airway maintenance and monitoring on critical care patients to include all age groups. Attends and assists all code blues high risk deliveries c-sections and met calls house wide. Performs CPAP/Bi-PAP set-up and monitoring in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Performs noninvasive cardiology procedures such as EKGs in the Emergency Department and completes necessary paperwork. Assists physicians with bedside bronchoscopies in accordance with the Respiratory Therapy procedure. Performs oximetry spot checks and oximetry sleep studies and accurately processes corresponding paperwork. Performs ABG sticks and utilizes the I-Stat machine and communicates ABG results to nursing staff or physicians. Performs equipment function check out and cleaning as necessary in accordance with Respiratory Therapy policies and procedures. Provides patient education on all modalities of respiratory care. Participates in the charge role as applicable. Provides patient education on outpatient services. Acts as primary preceptor and resource for new staff. Follows Mercy's safety guidelines carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities and promptly reports any unsafe conditions situations incidents and injuries.

As applicable if trained in the Pulmonary Function lab: Performs pulmonary function studies as ordered by a physician in an accurate and responsible manner following manufacturers and departmental policies and procedures. Ensures that the patient is performing the test to the best of his/her ability by observing the patient and comparing the test results as reproducible on at least three trials. Performs quality control procedures and maintenance on equipment used in the testing area to ensure accuracy in test results. Performs machine calibration each morning prior to testing and logs results of calibration. Assists with Trach Clinic. Provides patient education on outpatient services. Follows Mercy's safety guidelines carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities and promptly reports any unsafe conditions situations incidents and injuries.

Knowledge skills and abilities include knowledge of anatomy and physiology as related to the respiratory system. Use of calculator verbal and written medical terminology. Should possess excellent communication skills. Professional experience previous experience preferred. Education sufficient to obtain required licensure. Licensure certification registration registered respiratory therapist - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required. State of Iowa Respiratory Care Practitioner License required. Basic Life Support in accordance with the American Heart Association required. Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification will be required within 1 year of employment with the exception of PFT staff. Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse/Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required. Employee must submit certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date. Physical requirements medium: exert 20-50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 10-15 lbs. of force frequently.