Respiratory Nurse - RN

Elevation Healthcare, LLC•Griffin, GA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Nurse, Registered Nurse (RN), is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with physician orders, facility policies, and accepted standards of nursing practice. This role includes administering respiratory therapies, monitoring respiratory status, performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within the scope of practice, and assisting in the treatment and management of pulmonary and cardiopulmonary disorders. The Respiratory Nurse collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, provides education to residents and families, and ensures compliance with regulatory, infection control, and safety standards.

Requirements

Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required or obtained within the timeframe established by facility policy.
Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing in the state of employment required.
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Knowledge of respiratory care principles, oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary monitoring, ventilator management, and respiratory equipment operation.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, clinical assessment, and communication skills.
Ability to assess complex resident conditions and determine appropriate interventions within the RN scope of practice.
Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical, financial, and personal information in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
Ability to remain professional, calm, and effective when responding to emergencies or stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, respiratory care, pulmonary services, or related healthcare settings preferred.
Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and clinical documentation systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer respiratory therapy treatments and nebulized medications, understanding the purpose, expected outcomes, and potential side effects of each treatment.
Maintain knowledge of oxygen delivery methods and respiratory equipment while monitoring residents for adverse effects and changes in condition.
Set up, operate, monitor, and assist with mechanical ventilators and related respiratory support equipment in accordance with facility policies and physician orders.
Conduct pulmonary function testing and assist with review, reporting, and communication of results to physicians and clinical leadership.
Perform incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, Flutter therapy, therapeutic respiratory exercises, and use specialized respiratory devices as indicated.
Assess residents' tolerance to treatments and reassess responses, reporting changes and modifying care in accordance with physician orders and facility guidelines.
Provide respiratory care services to residents with diverse medical conditions and varying levels of respiratory support needs.
Accurately document respiratory assessments, interventions, treatments, resident responses, and clinical observations in the medical record.
Maintain departmental forms, respiratory treatment records, flow sheets, logs, and related documentation in accordance with facility policies.
Develop, implement, and evaluate resident and family education plans related to respiratory conditions, treatments, and equipment use.
Communicate significant findings, changes in condition, or treatment concerns promptly to physicians, nursing leadership, and interdisciplinary team members.
Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe and effective operation.
Follow infection prevention, sterilization, disinfection, and equipment maintenance procedures.
Monitor compliance with infection control practices, respiratory safety standards, oxygen safety procedures, and emergency preparedness protocols.
Ensure respiratory supplies and equipment are properly stored, labeled, and readily available.
Attend in-service education programs and continuing education activities to maintain professional competency.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI), and performance improvement initiatives related to respiratory care.
Serve as a resource and educator for staff regarding respiratory therapies, equipment operation, and respiratory care best practices.
Coordinate and direct respiratory-related resident care to ensure clinical needs are met and facility policies are followed.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, care planning conferences, and department meetings.
Communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, respiratory providers, consultants, and facility staff to promote high-quality resident-centered care.