Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Conifer Health Solutions•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

A licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner performs diagnostic testing and administers prescribed respiratory therapy procedures, medications, and related life-support measures to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies, abnormalities, and diseases. The practitioner assesses patient condition, reviews medical history, documents progress and response to treatment, and applies current research-based clinical practices. They communicate with physicians about patient status, clarify orders, recommend therapy, and identify contraindications. In collaboration with other licensed caregivers, they help maintain an interdisciplinary plan of care based on patient and family response. The role includes Level 1 minimal competencies and Level 2 advanced competencies. Duties cover respiratory diagnostics and treatments, medication administration, oxygen and aerosol therapy, airway and ventilator management, emergency response, equipment maintenance, documentation, and department operations. Advanced duties may include coordinating departmental records, training staff, assisting with bronchoscopies, serving as Charge Therapist, and performing additional procedures after competency validation and within scope of practice and licensure.

Requirements

Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy. RCP associates hired before 03/01/11 who do not meet this requirement are grandfathered and are not required to have the associate degree.
Clinical experience that includes adult, pediatric, and infant general medical-surgical and critical-care therapeutics and diagnostics.
Basic computer skills and verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in all phases of basic and advanced respiratory-care delivery, including invasive and non-invasive practices.
Knowledge of the Respiratory Care Practice Act and familiarity with the scientific process as it relates to respiratory care practice.
Proficiency with technology used for therapeutics and diagnostics in general medical-surgical and critical care, including ventilators, monitors, gas analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulmonary-function screeners.
Ability to work flexible schedules to accommodate department and facility needs, including holidays and weekends.
Arizona Respiratory Care Practitioner licensure.
Registered Respiratory Therapist credential or eligibility for registration.
BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications are required within six months of hire and every two years thereafter.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in a related field.

Responsibilities

Perform diagnostic testing and administer prescribed respiratory therapy, including SVN and MDI therapy for intubated and non-intubated patients.
Perform incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, sputum induction, arterial punctures and arterial-line draws, arterial blood gas and co-oximetry analysis, and bedside pulmonary-function screening; document results appropriately and notify relevant staff of critical values.
Administer prescribed inhaled medications and substitutions, clarify pharmacy orders, and complete medication administration record sign-off as appropriate.
Initiate and maintain non-invasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and transport ventilators according to physician orders, with appropriate documentation.
Perform routine equipment maintenance and quality assurance; clean, set up, and safety-check ventilators, BiPAP/CPAP units, and other respiratory equipment; maintain, stock, and clean supplies and storage areas.
Perform nasal and oral tracheal suctioning and operate and maintain closed suction systems.
Understand facility medical-gas systems and zone-valve locations; perform back-feeding procedures when indicated.
Follow infection-control standards and established protocols, including VAP, pressure-ulcer, and universal protocols.
Perform weaning parameters, including VC, NIF, and Vt f/Vt, with appropriate documentation.
Provide oxygen and continuous aerosol therapy; respond to emergencies, code arrests, and Rapid Response calls, documenting responses and providing rescue breathing with appropriate devices.
Understand code-cart locations and supplies, defibrillator operation, and medication labeling and storage.
Complete or coordinate department paperwork, including badger exception logs, daily assignment logs, work schedules, therapist worksheets, and relevant blood gas, co-oximetry, and PFT screening reports.
May participate in performance assessment and improvement processes and contribute to the enhancement of programs and services.
Train and serve as a resource for respiratory department staff; recognize problems and suggest strategies to address situations that may compromise clinical services.
Assist with bronchoscopies according to facility guidelines, including appropriate cleaning and documentation.
May serve as Charge Therapist.
Perform additional airway-management skills and procedures, including arterial-line placement, evaluation, and monitoring, or venous and other peripherally inserted lines, after competency validation and as permitted by scope of practice and licensure.
Understand the Incident Command System (HEICS).
Assist with other assigned or daily department responsibilities and perform other duties within scope of practice and licensure requirements.