Respiratory Care Practitioner I

Emory Healthcare•Lithonia, GA

7d•$35 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Care Practitioner serves as a clinician in clinical departments across inpatient and outpatient areas. The practitioner uses evidence-based practice and department and service-area initiatives, develops professionally, follows Emory Behavioral Standards and Service Culture Guidelines, provides patient- and family-centered care, and consistently meets departmental and hospital quality and safety goals. The position works independently under the general direction of a leader and may require travel between Emory operating units and affiliated sites. This is an on-site role. The practitioner maintains competencies, supports colleagues in applying clinical policies and procedures, ensures readiness when working in a new area, and checks that equipment is functioning and ready for emergencies. The practitioner assesses unit workload and reports anticipated needs to a supervisor or charge person, participates in patient-round discussions, identifies alternative therapies or mechanical ventilation approaches, and supports service areas with care suggestions, resource acquisition, and ventilator-management expertise. The role also includes attending department meetings, in-services, and educational offerings; participating in product evaluation and selection; reviewing policies and procedures; and completing 10 continuing education units annually. Attendance at a local, state, or national respiratory conference every two years is encouraged. An associate degree in Respiratory Care, at least one year of experience, an active Georgia Respiratory Care Practitioner license, and the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential are required. BLS is required. ACLS is required within six months of hire for adult critical care assignments, and NRP is required for Special Care Nursery/NICU assignments. AARC membership is preferred. Physical requirements are classified as medium and include lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying objects up to 25 pounds, and occasional to frequent standing and walking. Work may involve close eye tasks such as computer use, typing, reading, and writing. Physical demands and environmental conditions may vary by assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures may include blood-borne pathogens, bio-hazardous waste, chemicals, gases, fumes or vapors, communicable diseases, electrical shock, floor surfaces, temperature extremes, indoor and outdoor conditions, latex, lighting, patient-care or handling injuries, radiation, shift work, and travel. Personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be used.

Requirements

Associate degree in Respiratory Care.
At least one year of experience.
Active Respiratory Care Practitioner license in the state of Georgia.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care.
BLS certification.
ACLS certification within six months of hire for adult critical care assignments.
NRP certification for Special Care Nursery/NICU assignments.
Ability to work independently under the general direction of a leader.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Membership in the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) is preferred.
Attendance at one local, state, or national respiratory conference every two years is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Complete and maintain all competencies.
Refer and guide others in the use of policies and procedures in the clinical setting.
Ensure competence to function when working in a new area.
Ensure equipment functions properly and is ready for emergencies; take equipment out of service and report failures as needed.
Assess unit work and report anticipated needs to a supervisor or charge person.
Participate in patient-round discussions and identify alternative methods of therapy or mechanical ventilation.
Maintain competency in clinical areas as appropriate.
Suggest modifications to care to the patient-care team.
Acquire resources that are not readily available.
Serve as a resource for ventilator management.
Attend at least 75% of department meetings.
Attend in-services and educational offerings regularly.
Partner in product evaluation and selection.
Review policies and procedures to guide practice.
Complete 10 continuing education units annually.
Provide patient- and family-centered care and consistently meet departmental and hospital quality and safety goals.
Travel between Emory operating units and affiliated sites when required.