Long Term Acute Care - Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

Mosaic Life Care•Saint Joseph, MO

About The Position

The Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist Lead works under the supervision of the Director and Assistant Director. The Lead is responsible for patient care and tasks that support high-quality, safe, and effective care. The therapist executes protocols, administers respiratory therapies, and educates patients and families about conditions and treatments. The Lead also serves as a resource to staff and assists the Director and Assistant Director with issues and concerns. The role requires detailed knowledge of respiratory therapy equipment and procedures, specialized equipment and troubleshooting, and sound working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medications, and general nursing. The employee must maintain current knowledge and skill in providing appropriate care for patients in all age groups. Travel between system facilities and off-site locations may be needed.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy program approved by the NBRC, with completed clinical rotations.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification; new graduates must obtain the RRT within 6 months of hire.
Current, valid Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in Missouri.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; must obtain within 30 days of hire.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification; must obtain within 6 months of hire.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification; must obtain within 6 months of hire.
Ability to travel between system facilities and off-site locations as needed.
Detailed knowledge of respiratory therapy equipment and procedures.
Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medications, and general nursing.
Detailed knowledge of specialized equipment and troubleshooting, and good mechanical skills working with equipment.
Computer skills and knowledge.
Ability to communicate and interact with physicians, patients, families, nursing staff, and other departments, and work well as a team member.
High manual dexterity; ability to lift 40 pounds and push 250 pounds; ability to walk, restrain, stand, and kneel.
Hearing, speech, and vision adequate to perform essential job functions.
Ability to explain procedures, evaluate patient condition, and take immediate action.
Maintain current knowledge and skill in providing appropriate care for patients in all age groups.
Exposure to blood, body fluids, needle sticks, and hazardous materials.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of experience.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and assess patients’ respiratory needs and make recommendations.
Administer medications and treatments based on patient outcomes.
Deliver ordered therapy and assess patients’ responses.
Monitor, record, and communicate patients’ conditions and responses to stimuli.
Educate patients about diseases, medications, and treatments.
Document therapy and medications accurately, including pre- and post-therapy assessments, diagnostic testing results, patient interventions, and physician communications, in accordance with Respiratory Standard.
Ensure patient charges are accurate through correct documentation of therapy and medications.
Assist with equipment care and maintenance, including cleaning, disinfection or sterilization, reassembly, and functional testing.
Obtain qualifying testing required by the DME company to facilitate patient discharge.
Serve as a resource to staff and assist the Director and Assistant Director with issues and concerns.
Perform other duties as assigned.