Respiratory Therapist, Reg IV – Dayshift | FSED Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital-Lakeland, FL

Orlando Health•Lakeland, FL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist provides high-quality respiratory care to patients across the lifespan, performing assessments, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and emergency respiratory interventions. This role collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, and other clinical team members to support timely diagnosis and treatment while ensuring patient safety and exceptional care in a fast-paced emergency environment. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive respiratory care to patients presenting with a variety of medical and respiratory conditions. The therapist performs respiratory assessments, administers prescribed treatments and therapies, assists with emergency airway management, and operates respiratory care equipment in accordance with established standards and protocols. The Respiratory Therapist works collaboratively with the emergency department team to recognize changes in patient condition, respond to respiratory emergencies, and provide timely interventions that support positive patient outcomes.

Requirements

Associate of Science in Respiratory Care or Cardiopulmonary Sciences. (If licensed prior to December 31, 1987, a certificate of completion from an approved Respiratory Care program will be accepted).
Intermediate floor training as defined on Orlando Health’s Respiratory Clinical Ladder.
Basic computer/mechanical training required.
Maintains license as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the State of Florida Department of Health.
Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). RRTs registered on or after July 1, 2002, must maintain an active status with the (NBRC) and be updated every five years. RRTs credentialed prior to July 1, 2002, are not required to renew every five years in accordance with the NBRC.
Maintains current BLS/HealthCare Provider certification.
Advanced Life Support as appropriate per unit and site.

Nice To Haves

Maintains active membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and Florida Association for Respiratory Care (FSRC)
Maintains the following credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC): Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (NPS) for RRTs working in Neonatal or Pediatric Critical Care units, or Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) for RRTs working in Adult Critical Care units.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Administer respiratory treatments, oxygen therapy, and aerosolized medications as ordered.
Assist with airway management and emergency respiratory interventions.
Provide support during respiratory emergencies and other critical patient situations.
Perform and assist with diagnostic respiratory procedures as appropriate.
Monitor patients' respiratory status and communicate changes to physicians and nursing staff.
Operate, monitor, and maintain respiratory care equipment.
Educate patients and families regarding respiratory treatments and care plans.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
Follow infection prevention, patient safety, and respiratory care standards.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary care team to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Demonstrates competency in respiratory therapeutics and in the use of non-invasive ventilators, pulmonary diagnostics, and other equipment required for the provision of respiratory care.
Maintains accurate and precise documentation.
Demonstrates a strong power of analytical reasoning and effectively blends patient care management skills with technical expertise.
Communicates openly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
Demonstrates proficiency in quality control and maintenance of arterial blood gas analyzers, specimen collection, and analysis of blood for gas transport and acid/base determination.
Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Orlando Health policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.
Maintains compliance with all Orlando Health policies and procedures.
Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient’s age and medical condition.
Demonstrates expertise in medical gas administration, environmental control systems, humidification, medication delivery, invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Provides care for patients in non-critical care, intermediate care, and intensive care units.
Has advanced clinical skills and job responsibilities as described in the RRT Clinical Ladder program, including but not limited to preceptor, mentor, educator, and clinical specialist. Performs all other duties as assigned.
Instructs clinical practicum students.
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate for the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status. Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provides the care needed as described in the unit’s/area’s/department’s policies and procedures.