Registered Respiratory Therapist PRN

LE1000 Shepherd Center, Inc. - Atlanta, GA

Full-time

Atlanta, GA

About the position

The Respiratory Therapist at Shepherd Center is responsible for implementing and coordinating respiratory care for patients with complex conditions, ensuring individualized, patient-centered health care. This role involves performing various respiratory therapy procedures, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and actively participating in patient recovery plans. The therapist will utilize clinical skills to manage respiratory devices and educate patients and families about treatment modalities and disease processes.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and assesses patient needs for respiratory therapy and performs complex respiratory therapy procedures.
• Interacts with patients daily, actively participating in their recovery plan.
• Collaborates with other respiratory therapists, RNs, physicians, and team members to collect data for the patient care plan.
• Performs all respiratory treatment modalities, ventilator management, pulmonary mechanics, arterial blood gas procurement and analysis.
• Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, gas administration, aerosol generators, and inhalants.
• Utilizes clinical skills including bronchoscopy, mechanical ventilation, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary hygiene, and artificial airway maintenance.
• Cleans and disinfects non-disposable respiratory equipment and stocks equipment in all units.
• Performs and analyzes ABG, EKG, and Capnography according to policy and procedure, recommending changes in treatment as appropriate.
• Performs DPS pacing sessions according to policy and procedure, monitoring patients before, during, and after pacing sessions.
• Collaborates and supports the plan of care established by the interdisciplinary team, prescribing interventions to attain expected outcomes.
• Evaluates the patient's progress toward attainment of outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Actively educates patients and family members in disease processes, treatment modalities, and medications.
• Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given, documenting information clearly and completely.
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies related to area of responsibility.

Requirements

• Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Certified Respiratory Technician (CRT).
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• BLS required.
• ACLS certification required within six months of start date.
• Active Georgia Respiratory Care Licensure.
• Two years recent clinical experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills.
• Working knowledge of all treatment and therapeutic patient care devices used by respiratory staff.
• Knowledge of growth, development, and the ability to interpret information in terms of age-specific patient needs.
• Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization, and critical thinking.
• Ability to assess patient and family needs and coordinate appropriate nursing plan of care.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or behavioral health preferred.

Benefits

• Career growth opportunities
• Strong relationships with co-workers
• Support from leadership
• Fun activities and events