Respiratory Therapist

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.
At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!
This job provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders which may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. May provide oversight of other staff.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required - High School diploma or equivalent
Preferred - Associate's degree from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
Work Experience
Required - None
Preferred - Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency and skills to prioritize tasks
Certifications
Required - Certification by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Required - Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist in the state of practice
Required - Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPGST), Sleep Disorder Specialist (SDS) or Registered Sleep Tech (RST)
Required - Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification through American Heart Association
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
* Able to care for patients with advanced respiratory conditions, such as tracheostomy
* Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
* Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
* Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Job Duties
* Performs trach care on patients with advanced respiratory conditions.
* Performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.
* Gathers and analyzes patient information to identify and meet the patient-specific needs.
* Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing.
* Sets up patient for testing according to accepted published standards.
* Performs appropriate physiologic calibrations to determine proper functioning and makes adjustments.
* Documents routine observations including sleep stages, clinical events, changes in procedures, and significant events.
* Performs routine mask fitting for positive airway pressure (PAP).
* Scores sleep studies by applying professional accepted guidelines.
* Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
* Other related duties as required.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible
Mechanical lifting devices (carts, dollies, etc.) or team lifts should be utilized.
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.
Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!
Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.
Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.
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Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.