Reg Respiratory Therapist, Weekdays

Shepherd Center•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Shepherd Center is hiring a Registered Respiratory Therapist to implement and coordinate respiratory care according to Respiratory Care Department policies and procedures. The position also provides support activities, including setting up and operating respiratory equipment. The therapist delivers efficient, quality-oriented, individualized patient care and participates in interdisciplinary team activities. The therapist assesses patient needs, performs respiratory procedures and treatments, manages ventilators, obtains and analyzes arterial blood gases, and supports patients’ recovery plans. The role includes educating patients and families, documenting care, maintaining equipment, following safety and regulatory requirements, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary healthcare team. The work takes place in a normal patient care environment, with some potential exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious viruses.

Requirements

Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.
Certified Respiratory Technician (CRT).
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
BLS certification.
ACLS certification required within six months of the start date.
Active Georgia Respiratory Care Licensure.
Basic computer skills.
Working knowledge of treatment and therapeutic patient-care devices used by respiratory staff.
Knowledge of growth and development and ability to obtain, interpret, and communicate information according to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient needs.
Competence in time management, organization, prioritization, and critical thinking.
Ability to assess patient and family needs and coordinate an appropriate plan of care.
Commitment to professional growth and improving skills.
Effective and timely verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.
Ability to adapt to changing work demands and environments.
Sound judgment and critical-thinking skills to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
Ability to maintain congenial working relationships with nurses and other colleagues.
Ability to transfer and position patients, including lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Two years of recent clinical experience preferred.
Previous experience with patients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and/or behavioral health preferred.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and assess patient needs for respiratory therapy and perform complex procedures to support successful patient-care outcomes.
Interact with patients daily and participate in their recovery plans.
Collaborate with respiratory therapists, nurses, physicians, and other team members to collect data for patient-care plans.
Perform respiratory treatment modalities, ventilator management, pulmonary mechanics, and arterial blood gas procurement and analysis.
Set up and operate mechanical ventilators, gas administration equipment, aerosol generators, inhalants, and other respiratory therapy devices.
Use clinical skills in bronchoscopy, mechanical ventilation, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary hygiene, and artificial airway maintenance.
Clean and disinfect non-disposable respiratory equipment and stock equipment in all units.
Perform and analyze ABG, EKG, and capnography according to policy and procedure, and recommend treatment changes as appropriate.
Conduct DPS pacing sessions according to policy and procedure and monitor patients before, during, and after sessions.
Support the interdisciplinary team’s plan of care, prescribe interventions to attain expected outcomes, and evaluate patient progress collaboratively.
Educate patients and family members about disease processes, treatment modalities, and medications.
Prepare and maintain clear, complete, and timely records of observations and care using the required forms and systems.
Follow Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, procedures, and safety practices; report injuries, accidents, and other safety issues.
Participate in center-wide efforts that affect respiratory practice and use patient- and family-centered communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).
Maintain professional relationships with other respiratory therapists and collaborate congenially with nurses and others.
Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies; identify potential risks and support problem resolution.
Complete orientation, competency assessments, mandatory education, and annual competency requirements by their due dates.
Perform other duties as required, requested, or assigned.