Respiratory Therapist I - UH Freestanding ED FED - University Hospital

USA Health•Mobile, AL

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist I provides respiratory and cardiopulmonary care at the University Hospital freestanding emergency department. The role assists with emergency treatment of acute cardiopulmonary arrest, administers respiratory therapies and medications, assesses patient progress, and communicates with physicians, nurses, patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. The therapist cares for neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, maintains accurate medical records, and follows infection-control and safety standards. The position also includes patient and family education, precepting new employees and respiratory students, and completing required unit, department, educational, and hospital requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification.
Current licensure with the Alabama Board of Respiratory Therapists.
Eligible for registry with the National Board of Respiratory Care.
A comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the stated requirements.

Responsibilities

Assist in emergency treatment of acute cardiopulmonary arrest.
Administer continuous and intermittent cardiopulmonary therapy and medications to the respiratory tract; understand and communicate the purpose, rationale, precautions, and observations related to these procedures.
Assess patient progress according to the care plan and suggest therapy approaches to physicians and nurses.
Provide safe patient care with minimal supervision.
Provide competent care to neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient populations.
Demonstrate CPR according to American Heart Association standards.
Provide patient and family education as needed.
Use proper mechanics when moving and transferring patients and equipment, with or without assistance.
Receive and transcribe cardiopulmonary orders in accordance with medical staff bylaws.
Use a PC to access the Hospital Information System.
Communicate effectively with physicians, patients, families, and the healthcare team in person, by telephone, and through other messaging systems.
Respond to overhead pages and electronic message systems.
Maintain accurate and complete records according to department standards, including electronic and paper medical records.
Complete mandatory unit, department, educational, and hospital requirements.
Serve as a preceptor to new employees and respiratory students.
Adhere to current infection-control and safety standards.
Maintain regular and prompt attendance, work the defined schedule, and work overtime as required.
Perform related duties as assigned.