Registered Respiratory Therapist

About us:For the past 85 years, Stephens County Hospital has been a trusted name in the community, striving for excellence and delivering professional and compassionate care. Our dedicated staff of approximately 475 employees has a heart for healthcare and realizes how precious the gift of good health can be. Stephens County Hospital is a 96-bed acute care hospital located in Toccoa, Georgia. We are nestled in the beautiful foothills of Northeast Georgia where our family-oriented community offers many cultural and civic opportunities as well as numerous outdoor activities. Stephens County Hospital is a member of the Georgia Hospital Association, American Hospital Association and Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. Stephens County Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s premier healthcare monitoring agency. Job Title Registered Respiratory Therapist - Full Time - Night Shift The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performing all phases of pulmonary care under physician directions. The Therapist may perform bronchodilator and oxygen therapy, airway management and pulmonary hygiene techniques, diagnostic procedures. Education Completion of training in an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Therapy Licensure / Certification Licensed by the State of Georgia as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care or is eligible and actively pursuing registry. Provides care for patients of the following age groups: Neonate (Newborn) Adult (19 to 59 Years) Pediatric (>Newborn to 11 Years) Senior Adult (60 to 74 Years) Adolescent (12 to 18 Years) Geriatric (75 and above) Duties and Responsibilities Verifies the physician order prior to performing all procedures. Verifies patient identification prior to performing all procedures. Documents appropriately in the patient’s medical record. Documents appropriately in department logs. Maintains proper maintenance and repairs records. Verifies and corrects billing/charging errors. Possesses the technical knowledge to provide patient instruction for all respiratory procedures performed. Performs patient/family education as per department and hospital policies. Provides patient instruction/education as indicated according to patient age, mental status and psychosocial needs. Sets up, monitors and discontinues oxygen delivery per department policy. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform safe and appropriate oxygen therapy. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform clinical patient assessments. Evaluates laboratory data, x-rays and other pertinent information in analyzing the appropriateness of therapy or determining the need for medical intervention. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of dosage, duration, indications, contraindications and mode of action for all medications utilized in the scope of Respiratory care. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform IPPB, metered dose inhaler and hand-held nebulizer therapies. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to deliver humidification therapy as indicated or as prescribed by physician. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform CPT, postural drainage, incentive spirometry, end tracheal suctioning and other pulmonary hygiene techniques. Responds to all emergency calls in an appropriate and timely manner. Adequately assesses pulmonary/ventilator status and intervenes as appropriate. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills in the use of adjuncts for airway/ventilator management. Demonstrates understanding and proper techniques of CPR. Demonstrates knowledge of the anatomy of the airway. Demonstrates proper technique for tracheotomy care and tracheotomy tube changes. Demonstrates technical knowledge of each ventilator. Determines optimal ventilator settings according to department policies, physician orders and clinical assessment. Sets and troubleshoots alarms as indicated. Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot and correct errors with critical care equipment. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of arterial, venous and cord blood sampling techniques. Performs procedure according to department policy. Demonstrates knowledge of normal blood gas values and interpretation. Responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to properly perform pulmonary function and studies. Performs routine maintenance procedures and calibrations as per department policy. Demonstrates ability to appropriately recognize inaccurate measurements and troubleshoots as needed. Performs equipment sterilization as per department and infection control policies. Handles equipment in a manner as to optimize performance and minimize repairs. Assists in maintaining equipment stock and minimizing equipment cost. Cleans and calibrates ventilation equipment as indicated and per department policy. Obtains and interprets information in terms of a patient’s age related development and psychosocial needs. Determines appropriate therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in relation to patient age. Assists in the orientation of new employees. Provides in-service education to staff and other departments. Assists with training of students. AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES Shows the ability to give medicated therapy via mask or blow-by. Shows the ability to use appropriate devices and apply aerosol therapy. Uses appropriate and invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices. Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous, arterial, capillary and cord blood-sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician. Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy. Shows ability to communicate with parents regarding therapy and expected outcome. Pediatric Therapy (Newborn to 11 Years) Uses appropriate technique for venipuncture and finger sticks. Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask, mouthpiece or blow-by. Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous, arterial and capillary blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician. Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy. Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application. Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices. Shows ability to communicate with the patient and parents the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy. Adolescent (12 to 18 Years) Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece. Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician. Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy. Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application. Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices. Shows ability to communicate with the patient and parents the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy. Adult (19 to 59 Years) Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece. Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician. Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy. Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application. Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices. Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy Senior Adult (60 to 74 Years) Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece. Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician. Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy. Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application. Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices. Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy. Geriatric (75 Years and Older) Shows the ability to give medicated therapy via mask mouthpiece or blow-by. Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy. Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application. Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices. Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to compile, code and categorize, or verify information/data Strong organizational and interpersonal skills Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situation Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication skills Non-Essential Functions Perform other duties as assigned or requested. Professional Requirements Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean. Complete annual education requirements. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Report to work on time and as scheduled. Wear identification while on duty. Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations. Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times. Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices. Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities. Attend regular staff meetings and in-services as needed. Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions May need to sit or stand for up to 2-6 hours at a time Physically demanding, high-stress environment Have normal hearing – able to hear alarms/telephones/normal speaking voice/webinars Have normal vision – clarity of vision (both near and far) either corrected or non-corrected, ability to distinguish colors Reaching above shoulders – frequently within the shift (34-67%) Pushing and pulling – frequently within the shift (34-66%) Have good manual dexterity and eye-hand-foot coordination Standing – continuously within the shift (67-100%) Walking – Continuously within the shift (67-100%) Climbing – Occasionally within the shift (1-33%) Bending/Stooping – frequently within the shift (34-66%) Twist at the waist – Occasionally within the shift (1-33%) Lifting 50lbs with assistance – occasionally within the shift (1-33%) Lifting 20lbs with assistance – occasionally within the shift (1-33%) Standing and mobility: Respiratory therapists often spend their shifts on their feet, so the ability to stand for extended periods is crucial Lifting and carrying: Should be able to lift and carry respiratory therapy equipment and supplies, which can be heavy- CPR Proficiency: Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications are often required, and skill demonstration is part of this, must possess the ability to get into positions to physically perform compressions Dexterity: Possess good fine motor skills to operate and maintain respiratory therapy equipment Mental Requirements Problem solving skills: Respiratory therapists need to evaluate patient symptoms, recommend and administer treatments, and make critical decisions based on their knowledge of physiology and anatomy Must have strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy Communication Skills: Possess the ability to communicate effectively with patients, family members, nurses, doctors, and other medical staff, explaining diagnoses and treatment options clearly. Compassion and Empathy: Respiratory Therapists must be able to show genuine care and concern for patients. Attention to Detail: Respiratory Therapists must be meticulous about monitoring patients and recording information related to their care Emotional Stability: Must be able to remain calm and composed in stressful situations Teamwork: Respiratory Therapists work as part of a team, providing clear instructions to support staff and communicating professionally with others in and out of the workplace. Stephens County Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition, carrier status or any other legally protected status #J-18808-Ljbffr Stephens County Hospital