Respiratory Care Practitioner II (RCP II) - Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - St. Charles Hospital

Mercy Health BSMH • Oregon, OH

32d • Onsite

About The Position

Mercy Health is a faith-based, patient-focused organization committed to enhancing the health and well-being of people through exceptional patient care and a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence, and respect. The Respiratory Care Practitioner II at St. Charles Hospital provides respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. The role performs respiratory care procedures such as oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services, and patient and staff education. The practitioner monitors patients’ responses to therapy and recommends changes or modifications based on assessment.

The position may include serving as a shift Charge Therapist, supporting staffing coverage and assignments, assisting physicians with procedures, responding to resuscitations, and precepting new team members or students. Practitioners maintain respiratory equipment and supplies, document care, and provide patient and family instruction. The position requires two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional, a current state respiratory care license, NBRC credentialing, and specified life-support certifications. A related bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Requirements

• Two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional.
• Current Respiratory Care License in the state where the practitioner works.
• NBRC credentialing.
• 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 skills, including oral and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse people.
• Good customer service, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to 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 and airway maneuvers.
• Knowledge of 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, healthcare, healthcare administration, or business administration.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification from AAP/AWHONN.
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) credential.
• Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) credential.
• ACCS Adult Critical Care Specialist credential from NBRC.
• EPIC Electronic Health Record training.

Responsibilities

• Provide respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
• Perform respiratory care procedures, including oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, and diagnostic services.
• Monitor patient responses to therapy and recommend changes or modifications based on assessment.
• May serve as shift Charge Therapist, ensuring adequate staffing coverage, assigning or modifying work assignments, assisting with meal coverage, addressing call-offs, and supporting staffing for the next shift.
• May assist physicians with bronchoscopy, transtracheal catheter insertion, tracheotomy intubation where performed by respiratory therapy, tracheostomy and endotracheal tube changes, and invasive monitoring.
• Perform CPR, closed chest compressions, and airway management in accordance with AHA ACLS protocol.
• Maintain patient airways using appropriate airway devices; humidify airways, aspirate secretions, extubate, maintain correct ETT cuff pressures, and document procedures.
• Select, assemble, monitor, and evaluate mechanical ventilators; address malfunctions, cleanliness, and suitability for the patient’s condition.
• May perform pulmonary function tests.
• Serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
• Assess patients through inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, observation of behavior, and review of existing records.
• Perform ordered treatments, explain therapies and goals to patients, and modify procedures based on patient response.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommend methods to physicians to achieve therapeutic goals.
• Set up and maintain oxygen therapy modes to support adequate PaO2 levels with accurate inspired oxygen concentrations.
• Administer IPPB and aerosol therapy; prepare prescribed medication, adjust devices to meet clinical needs, document and observe patient response and vital signs, and identify possible adverse reactions.
• Provide postural drainage, vibration, and percussion; review orders and X-rays, and assess patients before and after treatment.
• Instruct patients and families in incentive spirometry, MDI administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care, and home aerosol therapy.
• Obtain sputum specimens or support airway clearance using coaching, mucolytics, aerosol therapy, or endotracheal/nasopharyngeal suctioning.
• Evaluate normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory value ranges.
• Perform arterial punctures and analysis, interpret ABGs, and perform arterial line procedures using safety precautions and sterile technique, including flushing and ABG aspiration.
• May perform EKGs and use knowledge of electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintain respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.
• Respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitations and participate as indicated by clinical circumstances.
• Perform other job-related duties as required by a supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed