Respiratory Therapist (.9 FTE/Alternating Shifts)

Franciscan Alliance•Lafayette, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist oversees the diagnosis, treatment, and care management of patients with pulmonary disorders. The therapist uses a variety of testing techniques to assist physicians in diagnosing disorders and determines treatment requirements—including the type, method, and duration of therapy; precautions; and medication and dosages—in accordance with physician orders. This role provides respiratory care to patients ranging from neonatal to adult. Responsibilities include emergency airway support, patient assessment, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, inhaled medications, airway-clearance and lung-expansion therapies, patient and caregiver education, special procedures, equipment maintenance, and evaluation of treatment response. The position is listed as .9 FTE with alternating shifts at Franciscan Health Lafayette East Campus in Lafayette, Indiana. Franciscan Health describes itself as a healthcare organization focused on patient care, health, and wellness, with 11 ministries and access points across Indiana. Eligible employees receive comprehensive benefits; an overview is available on the employer’s career site.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Respiratory Care.
High school diploma or GED.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license from the state licensing board.

Responsibilities

Attend code blue and rapid response activations to perform or assist with airway management.
Conduct patient assessments, obtain patient histories, and elicit descriptions of sleep problems to support diagnosis and treatment.
Set up and operate mechanical ventilators using invasive or non-invasive procedures for neonatal through adult patients.
Administer high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), and conventional methods to deliver nitric oxide.
Deliver supplemental oxygen therapy and select appropriate delivery devices to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Administer prescribed inhaled medications, including SABA, LABA, LAMA, ICS, and antibiotics.
Perform incentive spirometry, PEP, and Flutter therapies to facilitate airway clearance and lung expansion.
Educate patients and caregivers about conditions and disease-management techniques, including breathing exercises and the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
Conduct special procedures, including EKGs, arterial blood gas tests, pulmonary function tests, and surfactant delivery.
Assist physicians during caesarean section births and high-risk deliveries, and assist with patient transport.
Ensure respiratory therapy equipment is functioning properly and appropriately utilized; assist with disassembling, cleaning, disinfecting, reassembling, and storing equipment.
Evaluate patient responses to therapy and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.