Staffing Agency Respiratory Therapist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for the initiation of standard therapy, basic ventilator management, protocols and diagnostic procedures. Responsible for providing care to infants, pediatrics, adults, and geriatric patients as defined by competency.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Initiates assessment and reassessment based on pulmonary condition including moderate sedation.

3. *Monitors and administers respiratory care modalities to patients; identifies contra-indications and patient response to therapy; records therapy and outcomes in the patient's medical record.

4. *Develops plans for the delivery of respiratory care as directed by physician(s) or protocols.

5. *Contacts physicians regarding changes in the patient's condition and treatment needs.

6. *Performs arterial phlebotomy; draws from arterial lines as appropriate.

7. *Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and airway management.

8. Provides tracheotomy care/inner cannula changes.

9. Provides basic ventilator management including non-invasive.

10. Supervises airway maintenance during intra-facility patient transport.

11. Demonstrates an understanding of staffing workload and productivity measures.

12. Participates in the orientation of new personnel and supervision of students.

13. Provides timely feedback to Respiratory Care Coordinator and Respiratory Care Manager when assisting with orientees.

14. Performs electrocardiographs (ECG's); may perform Holter monitor/event recorder set up.

15. Performs StO2 (Tissue Oxygenation) monitoring.

16. Cleans, disinfects and sterilizes all respiratory equipment following current infection control guidelines; assembles equipment as required.

17. *Performs respiratory care discharge planning.

18. *Provides disease/process-specific patient/family education.

19. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

20. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

21. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge in the treatment techniques, limitations, and applications of respiratory care procedures.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Knowledge of arterial punctures and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.

4. Knowledge of basic respiratory equipment and ventilator management.

5. Skill in the delivery of respiratory care of infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

6. Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in administering therapy and/or other techniques and skills.

7. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

8. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

9. Ability to monitor and recognize cardiac dysrhythmias.

10. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

11. Ability to provide airway management and assist with intubation.

12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.

13. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

14. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

15. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

16. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduate of an AMA program of Respiratory Care required. Licensure to practice respiratory care in the State of Nebraska required. Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required upon hire.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred.