Respiratory Therapist (Full-time)

Pagosa Springs Medical Center•Pagosa Springs, CO

8d•$29 - $44•Onsite

About The Position

Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC) is seeking an experienced Respiratory Care Practitioner to join our Cardiopulmonary team. In this role, you will provide assessment, treatment, education, and diagnostic respiratory services to patients and families. You'll use your clinical judgment to assess patients, make appropriate decisions, and modify care in accordance with established protocols. As an integral member of the multidisciplinary care team, you'll also serve as a respiratory care resource to providers and other healthcare professionals. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced respiratory therapist who enjoys clinical variety, values autonomy, and is comfortable caring for adult and pediatric patients in emergency and acute care settings.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Graduate of an accredited CoARC school for respiratory therapy required
Minimum of five (5) years of technical experience in an Emergency Department/Acute Care hospital setting caring for adult and pediatric patients
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) experience required, including experience with: Box pulmonary function testing, Spirometry, Walk testing, Methacholine challenge testing
Intensive care and ventilator management experience required
Must be able to function independently
Working knowledge of respiratory and hospital operations required
NBRC certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) required
Current Colorado license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in good standing required
Current AHA BLS certification for healthcare providers required
Current ACLS certification or successful completion at the next available course within three months
Current PALS certification or successful completion at the next available course within three months

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy desired, but not required
Cardiac diagnostic testing experience, including Holter monitors, stress tests, and stress echocardiograms, desired but not required
RRT-Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (RRT-NPS) desired, but not required
RRT-Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) desired, but not required
Is an experienced respiratory care professional who is comfortable practicing with a high degree of independence
Has hands-on experience performing and interpreting pulmonary function testing, including spirometry and body plethysmography/box PFTs
Has strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills
Is confident managing mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, and complex respiratory needs
Is comfortable caring for patients across the lifespan
Can remain calm and make sound clinical decisions in emergency and high-stress situations
Communicates effectively with physicians, nurses, patients, families, and other members of the care team
Enjoys teaching patients and mentoring other healthcare professionals
Is adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities and frequent interruptions
Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a commitment to continued professional growth
Embodies PSMC's WISER values and demonstrates teamwork, compassion, integrity, respect, and a commitment to service excellence

Responsibilities

Perform respiratory care modalities as prescribed by physicians and licensed independent practitioners
Assess patients and evaluate their response to respiratory care and treatment
Recommend appropriate respiratory therapies and modifications based on changes in a patient's clinical condition
Apply and manage mechanical ventilation and noninvasive ventilation
Collaborate with providers to recommend adjustments that improve clinical condition and patient comfort
Perform airway and ventilator management
Interpret information from invasive and noninvasive monitors and ventilators
Adapt procedures and treatments to meet the needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients
Perform pulmonary and cardiology diagnostic testing in accordance with established policies and procedures
Perform spirometry and box pulmonary function testing
Perform walk testing and methacholine challenge testing
Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) draws and analysis
Support diagnostic services such as Holter monitoring, stress testing, and pulmonary function testing
Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, clean, and adjust respiratory and cardiopulmonary equipment and circuitry
Complete respiratory-specific patient assessments and required documentation
Monitor patient response to therapy and recognize changes requiring intervention
Provide patient and family education regarding disease processes, treatment plans, medications, and respiratory therapies
Reinforce provider instructions and previous patient teaching
Develop teaching plans based on individual patient learning needs
Promote wellness and help patients and families understand their plan of care
Participate in interdisciplinary care coordination and communicate concerns to providers and leadership
Safely administer respiratory medications and understand appropriate doses, indications, contraindications, and potential side effects
Follow established medication administration rights and patient identification procedures
Follow National Patient Safety Goals and infection prevention practices
Utilize universal precautions and appropriate infection-control measures
Promote an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the potential for healthcare errors
Communicate with ordering providers to ensure orders are accurate and complete
Review and enter provider orders into the electronic health record as appropriate
Complete required Cerner documentation
Verify appropriate charges for respiratory treatments, oxygen, and diagnostic testing
Manage Respiratory Therapy supply inventory
Assist providers and other hospital departments as needed
Participate in departmental goals and daily clinical operations
Serve as a respiratory care resource to providers and other healthcare professionals
Mentor staff and provide continuous learning support
Assist with training and competency development for new respiratory care practitioners and multidisciplinary team members
Participate in the development, review, and implementation of cardiopulmonary policies and procedures as assigned
Maintain specialized knowledge and skills through continuing education, in-service training, and professional development