RT Respiratory Therapist Full Time Nights RT

Vibra Travels•Gardendale, AL

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist works under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Manager and/or Lead Respiratory Therapist and, upon physician request, sets up and operates respiratory care equipment used to diagnose and treat respiratory disease and illness. The role provides care to adult and geriatric patients ages 18 and over, while respecting each patient’s rights, dignity, and individuality. The therapist explains treatments, tests, and equipment to patients and documents education and care in the patient’s chart. The therapist administers prescribed respiratory treatments, operates and monitors ventilators, participates in ventilator weaning, supports ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and intubates as necessary. The role also includes tracheostomy care, equipment changes and maintenance, respiratory diagnostic studies and blood gas analysis, patient preparation for transport or therapy, and accurate documentation and handoffs. The position follows hospital policies and safety, compliance, infection prevention, and patient privacy practices, and participates in departmental meetings, in-services, and performance improvement activities.

Requirements

Hold a license to practice as a Respiratory Practitioner in the state of employment.
Have BLS certification upon hire.
Obtain ACLS certification within 90 days of employment.
Maintain licenses and certifications throughout employment.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate respiratory care equipment for diagnosis and treatment upon physician request.
Provide respiratory care to adult and geriatric patients ages 18 and over, respecting patient rights, dignity, and individuality.
Explain treatments, tests, and equipment to patients and document education provided to patients and caregivers.
Conduct prescribed respiratory treatments, including hand-held nebulizer therapy, oxygen delivery, humidity, medicinal vapors and gases, and chest physical therapy.
Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators; participate in ventilator weaning according to protocols and physician direction.
Maintain adequate ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate as necessary.
Document treatments and patient responses in respiratory care records and patient charts, and place MARs in the proper order.
Perform tracheostomy care and change tracheostomy tubes as necessary according to hospital policy; document changes.
Replace tubing, inline suction devices, and suction canisters according to hospital policy.
Report patient conditions and treatments to relief personnel, communicate changes and new orders, and keep the primary care nurse informed.
Clean, sterilize, package, and prepare respiratory therapy equipment, including ENT/bronchoscope equipment, for transport and use; verify Cidex OPA functionality using a test strip within the previous 24 hours.
Perform preventive maintenance and equipment repairs, including ventilator EST and SST pre-use checks, and document work in the cleaning log.
Make regular rounds; check ventilators at least every four hours and oxygen equipment at least once per shift; fill room humidifiers, change suction canisters daily, and spot-check other equipment according to policy.
Perform and evaluate arterial and venous blood gas analysis and demonstrate competency with blood gas devices; maintain annual continuing education related to laboratory practices.
Assist with preparing respiratory care and ventilator patients for physical therapy, ambulation, and transport; store oxygen tanks according to OSHA and hospital guidelines.
Attend monthly Respiratory Care department and general staff meetings and in-services.
Follow the Hospital Compliance Plan and report suspected violations to the Compliance Officer.
Comply with professional conduct expectations and hospital and departmental policies, attendance requirements, exposure prevention measures, hazardous material practices, and safety and patient safety programs.
Recognize potential patient abuse and follow policy for appropriate referrals and interventions.
Participate in Performance Improvement activities.
Limit access to protected health information to what is reasonably necessary for work and share it only on a need-to-know basis.
Perform other incidental and related duties as required or assigned.