Respiratory Care Practitioner III - Respiratory Therapy - Lorain Hospital

Mercy Health BSMH•Lorain, OH

About The Position

The Respiratory Care Practitioner III provides respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation, performing procedures within the scope of licensure. The practitioner monitors patient responses to therapy and recommends adjustments based on assessments, while providing clinical leadership and supporting quality improvement initiatives. The role includes clinical mentorship and practice evaluation for respiratory care staff, participation in research and quality improvement, and possible service as a shift Charge Therapist responsible for staffing assignments and coverage. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team, the practitioner assesses patients, develops and implements plans of care, delivers and evaluates ordered treatments, educates patients and caregivers, maintains documentation and equipment, and responds to cardiopulmonary resuscitations. This is a full-time position scheduled for 40 hours per week. Shifts may be days or nights, with rotating weekends and holidays. The position serves patients across the lifespan, from neonates through geriatrics. Working conditions may include high stress and fluctuating workloads, physical altercations or verbal abuse, high noise levels and bright lights, limited hazardous substances or body fluids, exposure to blood and potentially infectious materials, and frequent interruptions. Universal precautions and personal protective equipment are required.

Requirements

Current respiratory care license in the state of employment (required).
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credential (required).
Two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional (required).
Competency in at least two of the following environments: Nursery/NICU, PICU, ICU/CCU, ED, and general care areas (required).
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, and other staff.
Good communication, customer service, organizational, and time-management skills; 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

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
BLS, ACLS, or PALS certification at hire; certification must be obtained from an approved source before direct patient care.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification through AAP/AWHONN.
Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT).
Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT).
Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) credential through NBRC.
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Master's degree in a related field.
EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training.
Valid driver's license for Home Care/DME roles.

Responsibilities

Provide clinical mentorship, participate in clinical rounds and practice evaluations, and support the development of professional respiratory practice among staff in intensive care, general care, and outpatient services.
Provide feedback for team member coaching and performance evaluations; provide clinical instruction or in-service training to staff, healthcare team members, and students as needed.
Identify quality improvement initiatives and help design programs with measurable outcomes.
Lead clinical research initiatives, including study education, training, and implementation; collect data, maintain records, and evaluate products as needed.
Participate in facility councils and committees.
May serve as shift Charge Therapist, ensuring appropriate respiratory care staffing, assigning staff and work areas, modifying assignments, assisting with meal coverage, managing call-offs, and arranging adequate staffing for the next shift.
Serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to assess patients, analyze assessment data, develop plans of care, implement treatment, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Perform respiratory treatments and therapies according to physician orders; explain therapies and goals to patients, adjust procedures based on patient response, and set up and maintain therapy modes.
Evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommend methods to physicians to achieve therapeutic goals.
Maintain documentation, patient medical charting, and records, and follow policies, procedures, quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
Educate patients about cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders and treatment options; instruct patients and caregivers in applicable respiratory care techniques and equipment use.
Set up and maintain respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.
Respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitations and participate as indicated by clinical circumstances.

Benefits

Sign-on bonus of $8,000 for experienced full-time new hires with at least one year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
Sign-on bonus of $5,000 for new graduate full-time new hires.
Referral bonus incentive programs.
Competitive paid time off accrual.
Health benefits through UMR.
Tuition assistance for continued career growth.
Competitive pay and incentives.
403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
HSA/FSA options.
Life insurance.
Mental health resources and discounts.
Parental and FMLA leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
Backup care for children and elders.
Professional development and continuing education support.