Reg Respiratory Therapist

DRISCOLL HEALTH PLAN•Corpus Christi, TX

About The Position

The staff Registered Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory therapy services to hospital patients in accordance with established standards of practice, policies, and evidence-based clinical guidelines. The therapist plans and delivers effective care within their scope of practice and supports the health system’s vision of excellence and integrated care delivery. The role contributes to a patient-focused, family-centered environment and promotes continuity of care and patient transition management. The position is at NCC Level III Spohn South on the night shift. A sign-on bonus of up to $10,000 is offered to qualified candidates, with the amount based on experience, along with relocation assistance.

Requirements

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree or graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
License to practice Respiratory Care issued by the Texas Medical Board.
Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification before hire.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification within one year of hire.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification within one year of hire.

Nice To Haves

One year of general care experience and/or one year of pediatric care experience.
Perinatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) credential preferred; must attempt within three years of hire and maintain it once obtained.

Responsibilities

Assemble respiratory therapy equipment before patient use.
Set up, troubleshoot, and evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory support systems.
Set up and monitor respiratory therapy equipment and administer therapies, including aerosol, oxygen, chest percussion, positive-pressure breathing, lung lavage, breathing exercises, transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring, end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, pulse oximetry, nitric oxide, nitrogen, heliox therapy, and mechanical ventilation.
Respond to emergencies to assist with or manage respiratory support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and patient transport.
Monitor patients’ pulmonary condition and progress, and report abnormal findings to the shift supervisor and/or nurse.
Suggest therapeutic modifications to the care plan to the prescribing physician.
Assist with training new employees.
Assist with the department’s continuous quality improvement plan.
Assist with equipment cleaning and disinfection during peak workloads.
Transport patients within or outside the hospital.
Volunteer for hospital or community service.
Run and process arterial, capillary, and venous blood gases, and report critical values according to laboratory standards.
Perform bedside intubations under a practitioner’s supervision.
Attend high-risk deliveries and assist the practitioner in evaluating and treating infants as necessary and/or as verbally ordered.