Registered Respiratory Therapist RRT

REGIONAL ONE HEALTH • Memphis, TN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care and treatments to patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies, with an emphasis on critical care or specialty areas, as ordered and in accordance with established standards and practices. The therapist reviews patient records, assesses whether therapy is appropriate, recommends treatment modes to physicians, performs therapeutic interventions, monitors patients and equipment, and documents care and outcomes.

Responsibilities include administering respiratory treatments and medical gases; initiating, monitoring, and weaning mechanical ventilation; performing arterial punctures and testing, pulmonary function studies, and EKGs; and assisting with bronchoscopy and other special procedures. The therapist responds to medical emergencies and assists with CPR/BLS/ACLS as required. The role also includes collaborating with patients, families, physicians, nursing staff, and other hospital personnel; supporting staff and student training; maintaining records and equipment; participating in quality improvement; and following safety, infection-control, and compliance standards. The therapist may work in all areas of the hospital and provide coverage for relief and absences.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved AMA Respiratory Therapy program.
• Qualified by education, training, or experience to work with neonate, adolescent, adult, and/or geriatric patients as dictated by specialty assignment.
• Tennessee state licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
• Current CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Review patient medical records before treatment and obtain and record required identifying information.
• Provide age-appropriate respiratory care and maintain the competencies required for the patients served.
• Administer ordered respiratory treatments, medical gases, humidity and aerosol therapy, chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Assess patients, determine the appropriateness of therapy, and recommend treatment modes to physicians.
• Perform therapeutic interventions and procedures, observe patients and equipment during treatment, and report adverse or unusual reactions and events.
• Document procedures and respiratory care accurately, including assessments, interventions, patient education, responses, orders, charges, and computer entries.
• Use patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data while maintaining confidentiality.
• Work in all areas of the hospital and evaluate the impact of respiratory care on patient conditions and progress toward outcomes.
• Initiate and monitor mechanical ventilation, assess ventilator status using inspiratory force measurements, tidal volume, and vital capacity, and wean patients to spontaneous breathing as ordered.
• Perform arterial punctures and testing and pulmonary function studies, and assist with bronchoscopy procedures.
• Contact physicians and make recommendations to medical staff regarding ventilator changes and patient therapy.
• Manage care for patients with acute or chronic pulmonary disease and patients with co-morbid conditions.
• Perform EKGs, explain the test and procedure to patients, place electrodes, administer the exam, monitor the patient and tracing, and report abnormal reactions or inadequate results.
• Prepare equipment and supplies and assist medical and nursing staff with special procedures and treatments.
• Perform specialized duties in assigned clinical areas, such as the newborn center, ICU, pulmonary, or broncology.
• Respond to and participate in medical emergencies and initiate or assist with CPR/BLS/ACLS as required.
• Collaborate courteously with patients, families, and hospital staff to support patient satisfaction and positive outcomes.
• Support respiratory and nursing staff with ongoing patient assessment and clinical assistance.
• Assist with orientation and supervision of new staff members and students providing patient care as part of training.
• Prepare and maintain required administrative and compliance records, reports, and files.
• Participate in quality and performance improvement, collect quality data, and take part in unit-based improvement activities.
• Complete required continuing training and education, including department-specific requirements.
• Perform safety checks, equipment maintenance, and aseptic techniques; report equipment malfunctions to a supervisor.
• Use supplies cost-effectively and maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area.
• Follow policies and compliance, quality improvement, safety, environmental, and infection-control standards.
• Provide coverage for relief and absences and demonstrate flexibility to work night, weekend, and holiday shifts as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Associate degree