Respiratory Therapist - 0.9 FTE

Grande Ronde Hospital•La Grande, OR

5h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Respiratory Therapist working 0.9 FTE. The role involves assessing, planning, and implementing respiratory therapy treatments and diagnostic procedures. Key responsibilities include managing mechanical ventilation, performing diagnostic tests, responding to emergencies, and educating patients and families. The therapist will also maintain respiratory equipment, participate in quality improvement activities, and provide mentorship. This is a float position, meaning the therapist will work across different areas as needed.

Requirements

Successful completion of an accredited respiratory care education program.
Current credentials through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) required.
Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (CPR) required.
Current American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required within six (6) months of hire.
Knowledge of professional practice standards established by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as well as other state and federal healthcare regulations.
Ability to assess, plan, and implement respiratory care treatments for patients across all age groups and acuity levels.
Ability to perform diagnostic procedures such as arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, pulmonary function testing, and electrocardiograms (EKGs) accurately.
Ability to interpret clinical data, recognize signs of respiratory distress, and respond promptly to emergency and code situations.
Ability to educate patients, families, and healthcare staff on respiratory care procedures, equipment use, and disease management.
Skilled in operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting respiratory therapy equipment, including ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and monitoring devices.
Skilled in managing artificial airways, performing suctioning, and assisting with intubation and extubation procedures under provider supervision.
Skilled in maintaining accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) according to departmental standards.
Skilled in collaborating effectively with providers, nurses, and multidisciplinary team members to promote optimal patient outcomes.
Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently independently with ability to assist with heavier weights (100+ pounds) with team lift or mechanical equipment.
Able to sit, stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
Requires frequent use of computer.
Must demonstrate manual dexterity.
Occasional exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue, communicable diseases, chemicals, including but not limited to sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp items.
Employee eligible for Hepatitis B Vaccination if desired.
Must be able to perform the primary duties and responsibilities of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Support the organization’s mission, vision and values by adhering to the behavioral standard

Responsibilities

Assess, plan, and implement respiratory therapy treatments and diagnostic procedures according to provider orders and established clinical protocols.
Administer and monitor oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, humidity therapy, bronchial hygiene techniques, and chest physiotherapy (CPT) to promote effective airway clearance and optimal pulmonary function.
Manage and monitor mechanical ventilation for patients of all acuity levels, including setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting of ventilator parameters.
Perform diagnostic testing including arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and analysis, pulmonary function testing (PFT), electrocardiography (EKG), and Holter monitoring.
Respond to emergency situations, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rapid response, and code blue events, providing advanced airway management and ventilatory support.
Monitor patient response during and after therapy, observing for adverse reactions or life-threatening arrhythmias, documenting findings, and notifying appropriate medical staff.
Collaborate with providers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to evaluate treatment effectiveness and adjust care plans.
Educate patients and families on respiratory therapies, equipment use, smoking cessation, pulmonary disease management, and breathing techniques.
Document all respiratory care assessments, treatments, and outcomes accurately and promptly in the electronic health record (EHR).
Maintain and ensure proper functioning of respiratory equipment, including cleaning, calibration, and infection control procedures.
Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement activities, contributing to departmental audits, evaluations, and best practice initiatives.
Provide mentorship and guidance to students, new staff, and other healthcare professionals in respiratory care techniques, safety, and clinical procedures.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA and Health Savings Account (HSA) Options
401K Plan with Roth Options
401K 3% employer match and a 2% base non-elective employer contribution
Eligibility for company-paid benefits such as life insurance and long-term disability, subject to applicable waiting periods
Option to elect Supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Access to the Employee Assistance Program
Discounts: available for meals in the cafeteria and over-the-counter pharmacy items
Exercise/Fitness Facility: access to the Rehab Therapy Fitness Center for the employee and dependents