Full-time Respiratory Therapist

Lexington Regional Health Center•Lexington, NE

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Lexington Regional Health Center is seeking a full-time Respiratory Therapist to join their Respiratory Therapy department. This role involves assessing and administering respiratory services to patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies. The therapist will utilize various therapies, administer diagnostic tests, educate patients and families, and document all procedures and assessments. The position requires working with all age groups, troubleshooting equipment, and participating in patient care activities that may involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens and biohazardous waste. Maintaining patient and staff safety through established tools and ensuring compliance with infection control guidelines are also key responsibilities.

Requirements

Associate's degree in a Respiratory Care program from an accredited school.
Current licensure as a Registered or Certified Respiratory Therapist from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Current Basic Life Support certification via American Heart Association required.
Attention to detail up to 75% of work time when assessing patients and completing patient documentation.
Analytical skills to troubleshoot problems with equipment, observe and evaluate patient status, etc.
Advanced communication skills to educate patients and families, correspond with other healthcare professionals regarding a patient's plan of care, etc.
Ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to protected and sensitive information.
Ability to complete reports and correspondence at a professional level.
Ability to immediately respond to common inquiries and complaints from patients, employees and regulatory agencies.
Successful completion of required knowledge and training of standard precaution and transmission protocols and when to apply during principle duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Assesses and administers respiratory services while utilizing appropriate therapies to treat patients with deficiencies of the cardiopulmonary system, by prescription or approved protocol under the supervision of the patient’s Medical Provider and Director of Respiratory Services.
Administers respiratory therapies such as: nebulizer treatments, oxygen therapy, inhaled medications, bronchial hygiene therapy, lung volume expansion therapy, etc.
Reacts to patient’s status changes and emergency situations appropriately and efficiently.
Administers diagnostic testing to patients with cardio-pulmonary abnormalities such as EKG’s, PFT’s, Cardiac Stress Testing, ABG’s, obtaining sputum cultures, Pulmonary Rehab, etc.
Provides education to patients and families regarding lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, and smoking cessation.
Performs a thorough patient assessment including listening to lung sounds, counting respirations, assessing work of breathing, etc.
Thoroughly and accurately documents every procedure and assessment performed.
Works with all age groups ranging from infants and pediatrics to adults.
Trouble-shoots skills to adjust BIPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen equipment, ventilator, etc.
Participates in patient care activities that could include blood exposure and risk to bloodborne pathogens (e.g., lacerations, handling of blood-contaminated specimens, etc.)
Responsible for safe bagging and disposal of biohazardous waste.
Responsible for ensuring the environment meets appropriate governing body standards.
Responsible for proper collection, storage and labeling of biological specimens.
Ensure patients and visitors follow current infection control guidelines.
Maintains patient and staff safety through the use of patient safety tools (TeamSTEPPS, Just Culture, etc).
Regular attendance at the assigned work location is required.
Performs all other duties as assigned.