Respiratory Therapist / Nurse

Lincare•West Plains, MO

About The Position

This employee performs timely, professional equipment setups, generally involving highly technical equipment such as ventilators, monitors, and CPAP units, and provides technical assistance with equipment. The role may also include setup of all types of oxygen equipment. Patient education is an integral part of patient care and is provided according to patient needs and Lincare policy, frequently in patients’ homes. The position requires use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license. The employee performs complete, professional patient assessments in accordance with Lincare policies and procedures; maintains current knowledge of respiratory homecare techniques and relevant respiratory therapy concepts; and follows applicable safety and regulatory policies. These include general safety, OSHA requirements and proper use of personal protective equipment, DOT driving safety, FDA requirements, and emergency planning. The employee represents Lincare through professional appearance, patient care, and written reports; facilitates prescription collection; and maintains complete, organized patient records in compliance with accreditation standards. The employee works scheduled on-call evenings and weekends, with frequency based on center size and the number of employees sharing the responsibility, and must respond in a timely manner. The position requires clinical authorization within the applicable scope of practice to provide patient care services offered by Lincare. State requirements may also require current National Board for Respiratory Care credentials for CRTs and RRTs. RNs, LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, EMTs, and other clinicians may qualify subject to state law and regulation. Exceptions may be approved by management where permitted by state requirements and applicable law.

Requirements

A valid driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle.
Level 1: Familiarity with equipment and services provided in home healthcare or other patient care is required.
Level 2: A minimum of two years in home healthcare is required.
Level 3: A minimum of three years in home healthcare; may be involved in training other Healthcare Specialists.
Excellent human relations skills for interfacing with doctors, other referral sources, and patients.
Computer literacy.
Authorization within the applicable scope of practice to provide the patient care services offered by Lincare, as established by applicable state law or, if none, the applicable national board.
Completion of all training and education required to obtain the requisite certification, registration, and/or license.
Maintain certification, registration, or licensure by the applicable state and/or national board governing clinical practice, or as otherwise permitted by law.
CRTs and RRTs are qualified for the position in all states.
Depending on state law and regulation, current National Board for Respiratory Care credentials may be required for CRTs and RRTs.
Subject to state law and regulation, RNs, LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, EMTs, and other clinicians may qualify for the position.

Responsibilities

Set up highly technical equipment, including ventilators, monitors, and CPAP units, and provide technical assistance with equipment.
Set up oxygen equipment as needed.
Educate patients according to their needs and Lincare policy, frequently in patients’ homes.
Perform complete patient assessments in accordance with Lincare policies and procedures.
Maintain current knowledge of respiratory homecare techniques and relevant respiratory therapy concepts.
Follow applicable safety and regulatory policies, including general safety, OSHA, DOT driving safety, FDA, and emergency planning requirements.
Represent Lincare professionally through personal appearance, patient care activities, and written reports.
Facilitate prescription collection.
Maintain complete and organized patient records in compliance with accreditation standards.
Work scheduled on-call evenings and weekends and respond in a timely manner.
Use a personal vehicle for the role.