Registered Respiratory Therapist

Northside Hospital Inc.•Lawrenceville, GA

11d

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist independently provides respiratory therapy treatments and procedures according to physician orders, established guidelines, and the scope of practice defined by the Georgia Composite Medical Board. The therapist manages an assigned group of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, as well as patients in adult or neonatal intensive care areas when competency has been completed, in accordance with Northside Hospital’s philosophy and policies. The role includes clinical care for complex patients, assessment and treatment of respiratory conditions, performance of respiratory procedures, and maintenance of respiratory equipment. The therapist communicates with patients, families, peers, providers, and others while following hospital and departmental safety policies.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited respiratory care program.
Licensed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the Georgia Composite Medical Board, in good standing and without limitations.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Heart Association.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.
Two years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate clinical competency, set goals independently in managing complex patients, and adapt care to rapidly changing patient conditions.
Provide safe, competent patient care and maintain knowledge of current respiratory care guidelines; communicate with peers, colleagues, providers, and others.
Assess patients’ respiratory conditions and treatment needs according to Respiratory Care Protocols; recommend and/or implement appropriate therapies using relevant clinical information, including vital signs, chest X-rays, and laboratory values.
Interview patients and family members to gather information related to patient care.
Maintain appropriate levels of functional equipment for departmental use.
Follow safety techniques and hospital and departmental policies; promptly report equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, or injuries and accidents involving employees, patients, or visitors to the manager.
Perform arterial punctures and interpret blood gas analyses.
Obtain arterial blood samples from indwelling arterial lines.
Perform pulse oximeter checks to evaluate respiratory status.
Deliver oxygen, aerosol, positive pressure breathing, and chest physiotherapy treatments.
Provide tracheostomy care, including suctioning and tube changes.
Initiate and maintain CPR as needed.
Set up, operate, and maintain ventilators, and transport patients connected to ventilators.
Perform non-invasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring and analyze data to assess patient status.
Maintain patient airways and provide bronchopulmonary hygiene.