Respiratory Therapist

PeaceHealth • Bellingham, WA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

PeaceHealth is seeking a Respiratory Therapist for a part-time, 0.875 FTE, variable position in Bellingham, Washington. The role provides cardio-pulmonary care to assigned patients, from routine diagnostic procedures to complex critical care support and transport support, as appropriate to the care setting. The Respiratory Therapist collaborates with the healthcare team to support the best outcomes for patients and the organization.

The position provides respiratory care, including diagnostic testing, oxygen and medication delivery, bronchial hygiene, arterial/capillary blood gas collection and analysis, advanced airway care, and life support. It involves patient assessment and monitoring of laboratory results, hemodynamics, and radiology findings; planning and delivering age-appropriate care; and managing ventilators and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation using safe, evidence-based settings.

The therapist calibrates, cleans, sets up, maintains, and troubleshoots patient-related equipment and instruments, and assembles and stores cleaned equipment. The role also participates in education, department tasks such as audits and quality assurance, recordkeeping, charting, and special projects. The therapist may serve on trauma, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and rapid response teams, and may be trained as a core therapist in an ICU or diagnostics area such as pulmonary function testing or a sleep lab.

The position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement. More than one opening may be available, and hiring incentives may be available. The stated salary range is $39.85–$59.82; the hiring rate depends on factors including education, training, work experience, applicable collective bargaining terms, and seniority.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited two-year AMA-approved Respiratory Care Program or approved alternative education as outlined in state regulatory requirements.
• Pass the NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist exam within 6 months of hire.
• Washington Respiratory Care Practitioner credential required, subject to the stated grandfathering exception for eligible Washington caregivers employed as of 6/29/2014.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist credential required within 6 months.
• PALS, ACLS, and BLS certifications required upon hire.
• NRP certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Ability to set up, operate, and quickly and efficiently troubleshoot respiratory or pulmonary function equipment, as applicable.
• Ability to quickly assess acute, critical-care situations and respond with a decisive and appropriate course of action.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to handle patients without assistive equipment/devices up to 35 lbs.; other physical demands include occasional lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs. and occasional pushing/pulling 1–25 lbs.
• Fine motor skills to grasp and control medical equipment and perform precise procedures.
• Ability to move around the work area, with occasional sitting.
• Ability to stoop, bend, squat, or kneel occasionally.
• Vision and hearing within normal limits; glasses, contacts, and hearing aids are permitted.
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist in acute care.
• At least 1 year of experience in a pulmonary function lab.
• Experience in ICU, pediatrics, or obstetrics.

Responsibilities

• Provide respiratory care, including diagnostic testing, oxygen and medication delivery, bronchial hygiene, arterial/capillary blood gas collection and analysis, advanced airway care, and life support.
• Assess patients and monitor laboratory results, hemodynamics, and radiology findings.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individual patient care appropriate to patient age.
• Manage ventilators and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, ensuring safe, evidence-based settings and appropriate changes.
• Calibrate, clean, set up, maintain, and troubleshoot patient-related equipment and instruments.
• Assemble and store cleaned equipment.
• Participate in in-house educational sessions and, as requested by the Manager, outside seminars and workshops.
• Participate in department tasks such as audits, quality assurance, statistical recordkeeping, patient charting, and other special projects specified by the Manager.
• May serve as a member of trauma, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and rapid response teams.
• May train as a core therapist in an ICU or diagnostics area, such as pulmonary function testing or a sleep lab, to meet department needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer base and matching contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance, with additional buy-up coverage options.
• Tuition and continuing education reimbursement.
• Wellness benefits.
• Expanded employee assistance program and mental health program.
• Hiring incentives may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Associate degree