Respiratory Therapist - Permanent

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist at Powerback Rehabilitation is responsible for providing respiratory care procedures under medical supervision, focusing on patient assessment, treatment, and management within a skilled nursing facility. This role involves administering therapies, monitoring patient progress, and collaborating with healthcare staff to ensure optimal care for adult and geriatric residents. The therapist exercises considerable judgment in accordance with physician's treatment plans and departmental policies, ensuring that care meets the unique physical and psychological needs of residents.

Responsibilities

• Initiates, monitors, and maintains life support systems for residents in the skilled nursing facility.
• Performs airway care and maintenance.
• Manages artificial ventilator status as directed by an approved protocol.
• Maintains and troubleshoots mechanical ventilators.
• Participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures including bag ventilation and closed chest massage.
• Initiates, monitors, and documents performance of various respiratory care modalities.
• Performs assessment of residents' cardiopulmonary status utilizing physical assessment and history taking skills, laboratory findings, and professional judgment to formulate a respiratory care plan upon the order of a physician.
• Checks physician's orders for completeness and pertinent information to determine precautions to be observed at bedside.
• Observes and charts vital signs and resident's general appearance, including breathing exercises and teaching to residents.
• Notifies supervisor of all new starts and discontinued residents.
• Administers proper technical respiratory care procedures and dispenses proper dosage of medication.
• Acquires and adjusts devices to ensure optimal results from therapy, including masks and trach equipment.
• Observes resident's respiratory rate and pattern, pulse, breath sounds, and reaction to medication during and after treatment.
• Documents all resident care services rendered as part of a medical record.
• Accepts and transcribes verbal orders related to respiratory care procedures.
• Sets up, maintains, and records log entries on all types of oxygen and respiratory supplies and equipment as required.
• Instructs residents and family members in the rationale and methodology of every respiratory procedure administered to facilitate cooperation and understanding.
• Attends internal and external educational programs to maintain and enhance technical skills and clinical competencies.
• Participates in interdisciplinary resident rounds and conferences to plan and evaluate effective resident care.
• Participates in quality assurance program data collection as assigned.

Requirements:

• Completion of a NBRC approved and accredited program in respiratory therapy.
• One year of clinical practice experience under medical direction.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification.
• Current State Licensure for a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Experience in skilled nursing facilities.
• Knowledge of geriatric care practices.
• Familiarity with quality assurance programs.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.