Respiratory Care Professional 3 - Respiratory Therapy - St. Vincent Medical Center

Bon Secours Mercy Health•Toledo, OH

About The Position

Provides invasive and non-invasive respiratory care under minimal and indirect supervision. Under physician supervision, evaluates cardiopulmonary function, treats cardiopulmonary impairment, assesses treatment effectiveness, and cares for patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities. Uses professional judgment to make independent decisions in complex, technical situations. Provides care to neonate, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients, generally in assigned ICU areas. The role performs respiratory treatments and diagnostic procedures according to physician orders and protocols, assesses and documents patient response, and recommends adjustments to help achieve therapeutic goals. It also supports airway management, oxygenation, ventilation, emergency response, and physician-performed procedures. The position may provide instruction and training, precept employees, and fill in as a Team Leader or Charge Therapist, including assigning and coordinating work during a shift. This is a collective bargaining unit position with scheduled weekly hours of 36 and a night work shift. Working conditions may include high stress and fluctuating workloads, high noise levels, bright lights, limited exposure to hazardous substances or body fluids, and frequent interruptions. Universal precautions and personal protective equipment are required.

Requirements

Maintain Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support status through the American Heart Association or its affiliate.
Hold and maintain an active Ohio license to practice Respiratory Care.
Be registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
Successfully complete an educational program in Respiratory Therapy approved by the Ohio Respiratory Care Board.
Have one year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist in areas such as emergency airway management, extubation, tracheotomies, and naso- and oropharyngeal airways.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care to the age groups served on the assigned unit.

Responsibilities

Perform respiratory treatments according to physician orders and protocols; explain therapy and goals to patients, adjust procedures based on patient response, and document assessments and care.
Evaluate prescribed therapies and recommend methods to physicians to achieve treatment goals, including aerosol therapy, postural drainage and percussion, incentive spirometry, and metered-dose inhalers.
Maintain patient airways using endotracheal tubes, tracheostomies, and nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal airways; maintain humidification, aspirate secretions, extubate, manage cuff pressures, and document procedures.
Perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to achieve and document oxygenation, including metering, analyzing, and administering gases.
Obtain and analyze blood gases through arterial or capillary punctures and line draws; record and report results and perform required quality controls.
Accept and transcribe physician orders according to departmental policies and procedures.
Select, assemble, monitor, and evaluate mechanical ventilators; ensure proper function and cleanliness, correct malfunctions, and determine whether use is appropriate to the patient's condition.
Measure ventilation and oxygenation, including lung volumes, oxygen, PEEP/CPAP, and ventilation modes and their effects on patients; apply ventilator-weaning protocols or physician orders.
Initiate, perform, and modify respiratory care techniques in pre-emergency situations, including non-invasive ventilation, ventilator and gas-delivery modifications, and airway management, working independently until a physician arrives.
Perform CPR and airway management in accordance with AHA, ACLS, PALS, and NRP protocols or physician direction.
Assist physicians with bronchoscopy, tracheostomy, intubation, and invasive monitoring procedures.
Provide clinical instruction, direction, and in-service training to department staff, physicians, patients, and allied-health students, including Respiratory Therapy students.
Serve as a preceptor when assigned, maintain preceptor requirements, and complete related documentation.
May fill in as Team Leader or Charge Therapist; assign work and facilitate daily duties throughout the shift.
Maintain instructor status in one or more of NRP, ACLS, PALS, and BLS.
Comply with Corporate Responsibility Program standards and policies, applicable laws and regulations, and report suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful acts or practices to the designated manager or employer hotline.
Provide care appropriate to the age and needs of patients served on the assigned unit, from neonates through geriatric patients.
Follow infection-control policies and use universal precautions and personal protective equipment and devices.

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
Backup care for children and elders
Tuition assistance
Professional development and continuing education support