PULMONARY FUNCTION RESPIRATORY THERAPIST (PRN)

Johnson Memorial Hospital•Franklin, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for administering aerosolized drugs, monitoring patients for adverse reactions, and responding accordingly. The role involves documenting patient information in computer systems and charts, performing oxygen and emergency rounds, and responding to Code Blue and Rapid Response situations. Responsibilities include airway management, emergency ventilator care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and setting up/adjusting continuous mechanical ventilation. The therapist will perform various procedures such as IPPB, humidity, aerosol therapy, postural drainage, percussion, and incentive spirometry. Additionally, the role involves providing patient and family education, maintaining diagnostic testing laboratories (including CLIA standards for moderately complex labs), implementing infection control processes, and participating in Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance activities. The position also entails evaluating current practices, suggesting improvements, assisting in new equipment evaluation, monitoring supply purchasing and inventory control, and communicating effectively with all customers. Technical guidance related to procedures and operations will be provided. The therapist is expected to attend meetings, participate in professional activities, and engage in continuing education to maintain expertise, while continuously supporting the Mission and Values of Johnson Memorial Health (JMH) and complying with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, and JMH policies and procedures.

Requirements

Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist required.
BLS or CPR for Healthcare Providers, PALS, NRP, and ACLS or ALS certification must be obtained by the end of the employee’s 90-day orientation period.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a hospital or Outpatient (rehab) setting, blood gas procurement and ventilator management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Administers aerosolized drugs most frequently prescribed by physicians.
Monitors patients for adverse reactions, recognizes them, responds accordingly, including assisting the patient, stopping therapy and notifying nursing or the physician if necessary.
Appropriately documents in the computer and patient charts.
Performs oxygen rounds, emergency rounds as scheduled, noting accurately the operation and function of equipment and makes changes as necessary to maintain proper equipment function.
Responds to all Code Blue and Rapid Response situations. Provides airway management, emergency ventilator care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Sets up and adjusts continuous mechanical ventilation; making frequent checks of equipment and patient to maintain proper ventilator function.
Performs a variety of procedures including but not limited to, IPPB, humidity, aerosol therapy with and without medication, postural drainage, percussion and incentive spirometry.
Provides appropriate education for customers, including but not limited to, patients, families, physicians, and community members.
Maintains diagnostic testing laboratories, adhering to CLIA standards for a Moderately Complex Lab.
Implements and follows infection control processes including septic techniques and isolation procedures.
Properly handles and cleans contaminated equipment.
Complies with JMH policy and procedures including Blood and Body Substance Precautions.
Participates in Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance activities as determined by Johnson Memorial Health (JMH) including JMH operations improvement.
Evaluates current practice and makes appropriate suggestions to the Supervisor to improve productivity and enhance expense reduction; assists in the evaluation of new equipment; monitors the purchasing of supplies and inventory control.
Provides timely and effective communication to all customers.
Provides technical guidance for customers as it relates to procedures and operations.
Attends meetings inside and outside of JMH as designated.
Participates in professional activities and continuing education to maintain professional expertise.
Clearly communicates and continuously supports the Mission and Values of JMH.
Conducts all activities in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and Johnson Memorial Health policies and procedures including Blood and Body Substance Precautions.
Performs additional duties as required which relate to the function of JMH.