Respiratory Therapist

Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc.•Hazard, KY

23h

About The Position

Provides respiratory care services covered under the employee’s limited license to practice respiratory care. The role includes patient assessment and care planning, respiratory treatments and education, accurate documentation, communication with the care team, and support for safe transitions of care. The therapist may also perform other assigned job duties and should refer to the Special Addendum and Staff Nurse Position Description.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Associate’s degree in Respiratory Care.
Must be eligible to provide respiratory care services under a limited license to practice respiratory care.
Knowledge of respiratory therapy procedures, equipment, and patient care practices.
Ability to perform diagnostic testing, therapeutic treatments, and patient education activities under appropriate supervision.
Strong communication, documentation, and teamwork skills.
Ability to maintain accurate records and comply with departmental policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

Complete patient assessments; formulate, oversee, evaluate, and adjust plans of care using critical thinking skills.
Perform nursing acts authorized or limited by the board and consistent with applicable professional standards.
Provide care, counseling, health teaching, and promotion; use Teach Back to confirm understanding.
Administer medication, intravenous therapy, and treatment as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP).
Supervise, delegate, and follow through with other personnel performing activities related to nursing care.
Mentor and precept students and orient new staff as assigned.
Report pertinent information through the chain of command to the Clinical Nurse Manager, Nurse Manager, or House Nurse Coordinator.
Participate in teams, committees, and performance-improvement initiatives.
Maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, coworkers, and self.
Participate in discharge planning and transition of care, identifying patient needs.
Advocate for patients and escalate patient-related concerns in a timely manner.
Document pertinent findings in the medical record promptly.
Assist patients with activities of daily living and function as an active team member.
Assume responsibility for personnel professional development.
Use effective communication and active listening, and demonstrate compassion and empathy.
Use SBAR for hands-off communication and bedside shift reporting unless contradicted.
Serve as a positive influence and role model and adhere to the professional code of conduct.
Respect patient dignity and confidentiality.
Refer to the Special Addendum and Staff Nurse Position Description.
Perform other job duties as assigned.