Registered Respiratory Therapist II

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

About The Position

Provides professional respiratory care and clinical support for critically ill or injured neonates, infants, and children, including during medical transport. Works under medical control supervision and in consultation with attending physicians to assess patients, implement individualized care plans, provide emergency interventions, and maintain safe transport operations. Collaborates with transport team members and multidisciplinary teams at sending and receiving facilities to achieve quality patient outcomes. The role involves advanced respiratory and neonatal care, including intubation, ventilation, insertion of UAC/UVC lines, and chest needle aspiration. The therapist uses diagnostic and respiratory-support equipment, participates in intensive care and transport, supports patients and families, and serves as a patient advocate. The position also includes staff education, outreach education, maintenance of pediatric transport quality data, and compliance with professional standards, policies, and safety procedures. Transport work may occur under high-tension or adverse conditions and includes work around aircraft and ambulances. The role requires substantial walking and standing, frequent movement and lifting of equipment, use of mechanical devices, and the ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as required.

Requirements

Current licensed respiratory therapist license.
At least 5 years of pediatric critical-care experience in NICU, PICU, PCICU, or a similar relevant field.
If selected, maintain current BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications.
If selected, complete an advanced trauma course, such as PATC or TNCC, within 1 year of orientation.
Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as required.
Ability to work under stressful conditions and in and around aircraft and ambulances.
Ability to meet physical demands that include frequent standing, walking, moving and lifting transport equipment, and using mechanical devices.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds unassisted on an infrequent basis and exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
Ability to work in confined spaces and at elevated areas, and occasionally outdoors in temperature extremes.
Ability to meet the stated vision, hearing, motor, sensory, and respirator-qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

Assess patients' respiratory conditions through physical examinations and diagnostic tests.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and physician directives.
Administer respiratory therapies, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and mechanical ventilation.
Monitor and adjust ventilator settings and other respiratory-support devices as needed.
Perform pulmonary function tests when clinically appropriate.
Conduct arterial blood gas analysis and use diagnostic equipment to identify and monitor respiratory disorders.
Provide respiratory support during emergencies, including CPR and advanced airway management.
Participate in care of critically ill patients in intensive care and during transport, including high-frequency ventilation and nitric administration when indicated.
Assist with transport of critically ill patients while maintaining patient stability during transfers.
Promote, plan, direct, and implement medical management and safe transportation in consultation with the attending physician.
Collaborate with transport team members and healthcare professionals to ensure quality care and safe transport operations.
Maintain professional practice standards and assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care according to the medical plan of care, standards, policies, and procedures.
Acquire and maintain advanced neonatal skills, including intubation, ventilation, UAC/UVC insertion, and chest needle aspiration.
Organize, prioritize, direct, supervise, and evaluate care delivered by staff in hospital and during transport.
Provide outreach education and training to nursing staff and other healthcare professionals on respiratory care practices and procedures.
Maintain pediatric transport quality data.
Act as a patient advocate, protect patient rights, and provide psychosocial support to patients and families.
Maintain required certifications, licenses, and continuing education.
Follow organizational policies, state and federal regulations, and infection-control protocols.
Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of respiratory equipment.
Communicate and coordinate care with patients, families, physicians, nurses, EMS personnel, aviation personnel, administrators, the public, and community agencies.