Respiratory Therapist - Days

Registered Respiratory Therapist

POSITION PURPOSE The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for administering safe and competent respiratory care as ordered by the physician, with emphasis in specialty areas (i.e., Emergency, Neonatal, Pediatric, Geriatric, and Critical Care), monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, patient assessment, and understanding ramifications of hemodynamic monitoring, understanding blood work results, monitoring, teaching, and training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES Supervisory-Specific Performance Expectations, Duties, and Responsibilities: N/A Position-Specific Performance Expectations, Duties, and Responsibilities:

• Competent delivery of all Respiratory Care procedures as outlined in the department policy and procedure manual.
• Maintains accurate and complete documentation of all Respiratory Care procedures per department policy and procedures.
• Verifies physician's orders for Respiratory Care.
• Receives and accurately prepares reports. Updates and completes patient information to reflect the patient's current clinical status. Prepares and is ready to receive/give a report at the specified report times.
• Attends and participates in department in-services, meetings, patient care rounds, and mandatory hospital meetings.
• Keep the supervisor apprised of changes in workload and patient acuity.
• Data entry of all daily services and charges given to patients.
• Demonstrates excellent working knowledge of Respiratory Care instruments and equipment. Performs troubleshooting with appropriate problem resolution.
• Performs effective airway management to include bag/mask ventilation. Assists the physician with intubation. Demonstrates safe and appropriate suction techniques and uses of artificial airways.
• Assists in the department's orientation/training of new employees, respiratory/nursing students, and precepts new employees during orientation.
• Performs arterial blood gas draws.
• Initiates, maintains, and monitors ventilator patients. Interprets flow volumes and pressure volume curves to initiate appropriate clinical changes.
• Completes required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements.
• Complies with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids, chemical disinfectants, radiation, asbestos, and other hazardous substances.
• Performs patient charge reconciliation
• Verifies accuracy and timely submission of time for payroll preparation.
• Working knowledge of all cardiopulmonary equipment within training and education for RRT.
• Proficiently performs all assigned modalities provided by cardiopulmonary services.
• Translates medication into neonatal and pediatric doses, uses proper equipment and procedure regarding patient size, and addresses any special needs regarding type and severity of disease.
• Assesses adult and geriatric patients for special needs by utilizing proper equipment and procedures regarding patient age and needs regarding type and severity of disease.
• Assesses adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients' ventilator needs; can functionally provide mechanical ventilation of the above patients under the direction of a qualified physician.
• Ability to fully assess patient respiratory status, make recommendations for appropriate therapeutic interventions, and use assessment charting techniques to document status, progress, and effect of therapeutics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Organization-Specific Performance Expectations, Duties, and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates full commitment to the CHOICE values of MRH and consistently represents the organization in a positive, professional manner.
• Establishes and maintains effective verbal and written communication, fostering positive working relationships with patients, staff, and vendors.
• Adheres to the MRH attire and dress code in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Exhibits initiative and self-motivation; maintains a consistent level of productivity and manages time and responsibilities effectively.
• Completes all required annual education, training, in-services, and licensure/certification updates; actively participates in departmental and organizational meetings or reviews meeting minutes as required.
• Maintains strict patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work punctually and completes assigned duties within established timeframes.
• Actively contributes to departmental and organization-wide performance improvement and continuous quality initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, maintaining adherence to departmental, hospital, state, and federal standards and policies.
• Follows all infection control, safety, and risk management procedures to maintain a safe environment for patients, the public, and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age (21 for positions requiring driving, with a valid driver's license).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and breath alcohol test (if applicable).
• Must complete an Employee Health meeting prior to starting employment.

EDUCATION, LICENSURE(S), AND CERTIFICATION(S):

• Required: Unencumbered License/Certification (if applicable). Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) approved Respiratory Care Program with the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credential according to guidelines set forth by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or be obtained within ninety (90) days of hire). Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification (or be obtained within six (6) months of hire).
• Preferred: RRT with one (1) year of experience, through knowledge and training in the areas of General Respiratory Care, as well as Mechanical Ventilation. Pulmonary diagnostics Cardiac Diagnostics (EKG, Holter monitor, Event Monitor Cardiac Stress Testing)