Respiratory Care Professional (RCP) - St. Rita's Medical Center

Bon Secours Mercy Health • Lima, OH

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Care Practitioner I 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 patients’ responses to therapies and recommends modifications based on assessment.

The practitioner assesses patients using examination, patient records, and clinical data; performs and explains ordered treatments; evaluates the appropriateness of prescribed therapy; and recommends approaches to achieve therapeutic goals. The role includes managing oxygen therapy, administering aerosol and positive-pressure treatments, supporting airway clearance, instructing patients and families, assisting with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy care, obtaining sputum samples, interpreting laboratory and arterial blood gas results, and performing arterial punctures and arterial line procedures. The practitioner may also perform EKGs, maintain respiratory equipment and supplies, and respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitations. The practitioner may serve as a preceptor to new team members or students.

This position is in the Respiratory Therapy department at St. Rita’s Medical Center. The posting lists 30 scheduled weekly hours, a night shift, and full-time status at 60 hours per pay period. A sign-on bonus may be available. Benefits may vary by market and employment status.

Requirements

• Current respiratory care license in the state of employment (required).
• National Board for Respiratory Care credential (required).
• Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association (required).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, and other staff.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse people.
• Customer service, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills and ability to receive feedback.
• Ability to gather and interpret data and demonstrate accountability.
• Knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment, including oximeters and 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 to perform arterial blood gas punctures and testing, airway maneuvers, bedside pulmonary function procedures, 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.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
• Previous work experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting.
• Six months of respiratory therapy experience in a general care area.
• EPIC Electronic Health Record training.
• A valid driver’s license for Home Care/DME roles.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ physical status through inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, observation of behavior, and review of medical records and existing data.
• Perform respiratory treatments according to physician orders, explain therapy and goals to patients, and modify procedures based on patient response.
• Determine whether prescribed therapy is appropriate and recommend methods to physicians to achieve therapeutic goals.
• Set up and maintain oxygen therapy modes to support adequate oxygenation and accurate inspired oxygen levels.
• Administer IPPB and aerosol therapy, prepare prescribed medication, adjust equipment to individual clinical needs, document and observe patient response, and identify potential adverse reactions.
• Provide postural drainage, vibration, and percussion; review orders and X-rays before treatment and assess secretion clearance and response before and after procedures.
• Instruct patients and families in incentive spirometry, MDI administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care, and home aerosol therapy.
• Assist physicians with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy procedures; assist with tracheostomy and endotracheal tube changes and ensure proper humidification.
• Obtain sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance using patient coaching, mucolytics, aerosol therapy, or endotracheal or nasopharyngeal suctioning.
• Evaluate normal and abnormal blood and urine laboratory values.
• Perform arterial punctures and analysis, interpret arterial blood gases, and perform arterial line procedures using appropriate safety and sterile techniques.
• May perform EKGs and apply 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.
• May serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.

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.
• Possible sign-on bonus.

What This Job Offers

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