Respiratory Care Practitioner II PRN - West Hospital

Mercy Health BSMH • Cincinnati, OH

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Care Practitioner II provides respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. The role performs respiratory care procedures including oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services, and patient and staff education. The practitioner monitors patient responses to therapy and recommends changes or modifications based on assessment.

The practitioner may serve as shift Charge Therapist, helping ensure adequate staffing across patient care areas and coordinating assignments and coverage. The role may also assist physicians with procedures, serve as a preceptor, maintain respiratory therapy equipment and supplies, and participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitations. This description is not exhaustive; other job-related duties may be assigned, subject to reasonable accommodation.

A bachelor’s degree related to respiratory therapy, health care, health care administration, or business administration is preferred. A current respiratory care license in the state of work, NBRC credential, BLS, ACLS, and PALS are required. Two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional is required. Additional credentials, training, and experience listed as preferred include RRT, NRP, CPFT, RPFT, ACCS, and EPIC EHR training.

Requirements

• Two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional.
• Current respiratory care license in the state of work.
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credential.
• BLS Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
• ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
• PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, and staff.
• Good communication, customer service, organizational, and time-management skills, including good oral and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse people, receive feedback, gather and interpret data, and demonstrate accountability.
• Knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment, such as oximeters or end-tidal CO2 analyzers.
• Knowledge of therapeutic procedures including CPAP/BiPAP, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high-flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, and diagnostic testing.
• Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Ability to perform arterial blood gas punctures and testing, airway maneuvers, bedside pulmonary function testing, patient assessment, and patient education.
• Knowledge of chest suction equipment and chest X-ray interpretation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree related to Respiratory Therapy, health care, health care administration, or business administration.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification from AAP/AWHONN.
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) credential.
• Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) credential.
• Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) credential from NBRC.
• EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ physical status using inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior, and information in the medical record.
• Perform prescribed respiratory treatments, explain therapies and goals to patients, evaluate responses, and modify procedures as appropriate.
• Determine whether prescribed therapy is appropriate and recommend methods to physicians to achieve therapeutic goals.
• Provide oxygen and aerosolized medication therapy, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services, and patient and staff education.
• Serve as shift Charge Therapist when needed, coordinating respiratory care staffing, assignments, meal coverage, call-offs, and coverage for the next shift.
• Assist physicians with procedures such as bronchoscopy, transtracheal catheter insertion, tracheotomy or intubation where applicable, tracheostomy or endotracheal tube changes, and invasive monitoring.
• Perform CPR, closed-chest compressions, and airway management according to AHA ACLS protocols; respond to and participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitations as indicated.
• Maintain patient airways, including selecting appropriate airways, humidification, secretion aspiration, extubation, and correct endotracheal tube cuff pressures; document procedures.
• Select, assemble, monitor, and evaluate mechanical ventilators; correct malfunctions, maintain cleanliness, and determine suitability for patient condition.
• Perform pulmonary function tests when required.
• Precept new team members and/or students.
• Set up and maintain oxygen therapy modes to provide appropriate oxygen levels.
• Administer IPPB and aerosol therapy; prepare prescribed medications, adjust equipment for patient needs, document and monitor patient response, and identify possible adverse reactions.
• Provide postural drainage, vibration, and percussion; review orders and X-rays and assess patients before and after treatment.
• Teach patients and families about incentive spirometry, MDI use, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care, and home aerosol therapy.
• Obtain sputum samples or assist with airway clearance through patient coaching, mucolytics, aerosol therapy, or endotracheal/nasopharyngeal suctioning.
• Evaluate normal and pathological blood and urine laboratory values.
• Perform arterial punctures and analysis, interpret ABGs, and perform arterial line procedures using appropriate safety and sterile techniques.
• Perform EKGs when required and apply knowledge of electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintain respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and 403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources; and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support. Benefits may vary based on market and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed