Respiratory Care Practitioner III - Respiratory Therapy - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (PRN)

Mercy Health BSMH • Youngstown, OH

1d

About The Position

The Respiratory Care Practitioner III provides respiratory care through patient assessment, care planning, intervention, education, and evaluation, performing procedures within the scope of their license. They monitor patient responses to therapies and recommend changes based on assessment. The role provides clinical leadership, supports professional practice and staff learning, and helps identify quality improvement initiatives.

In collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team, the practitioner assesses patients, develops and implements plans of care, evaluates treatment effectiveness, performs ordered therapies, and explains therapeutic goals. They may recommend appropriate therapy methods to physicians, educate patients and caregivers, maintain respiratory equipment, document care, and respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitations. The role may include charge therapist duties, staff assignment and coverage, mentoring and precepting, clinical instruction, committee participation, and support for research and quality improvement.

Requirements

• Current respiratory care license in the state where working.
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credential.
• At least two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional.
• Competency in at least two of the following environments: Nursery/NICU, PICU, ICU/CCU, ED, and general care areas.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, and staff.
• Good communication, customer service, organizational, and time management skills.
• 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.
• Knowledge and ability in arterial blood gas punctures and testing, airway maneuvers, bedside pulmonary function, patient assessment and education, chest suction equipment, and chest X-ray interpretation.
• Ability to assess patient status and provide age-appropriate care across the life span, from neonates through geriatrics.
• Exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn infection control policies.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Support clinical learning through mentorship, clinical rounds, and practice evaluation; provide clinical leadership to staff across intensive care, general care, and outpatient services.
• Provide feedback for coaching and performance evaluations of team members and may deliver clinical instruction or in-service training.
• Help identify quality improvement initiatives and design programs with measurable outcomes.
• Lead clinical research initiatives, including education, training, study implementation, data collection, recordkeeping, and product evaluation as applicable.
• Participate in facility councils and committees.
• May serve as shift Charge Therapist, ensuring adequate respiratory care staffing, assigning staff and work areas, assisting with meal coverage, addressing call-offs, and planning coverage for the next shift.
• Serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
• Conduct initial and ongoing patient assessments with the interdisciplinary care team, analyze assessment data, create plans of care, implement treatment, and evaluate effectiveness.
• Perform treatments and therapies according to physician orders; explain therapies and goals, modify procedures in response to patient condition, and set up and maintain therapy modes.
• Assess prescribed therapies and recommend methods to physicians to achieve therapeutic goals.
• Maintain documentation, patient medical charting, and records, and follow policies, quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
• Educate patients about cardiopulmonary conditions and treatment options, and instruct patients and caregivers in applicable respiratory care techniques and equipment.
• Set up and maintain respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.
• Respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitations and participate as indicated by clinical circumstances.

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.

What This Job Offers

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