RT Respiratory Therapist Full Time Days and Nights RT

Vibra Travels•Wylie, TX

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Manager and/or Lead Respiratory Therapist, and upon physician request, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates respiratory care equipment used to diagnose and treat respiratory disease or illness. The role provides care to adult and geriatric patients ages 18 and over, and requires respectful, patient-centered interactions and documentation of treatments, patient responses, and education. The therapist administers prescribed respiratory treatments, operates and monitors ventilators, participates in ventilator weaning, performs tracheostomy care, and supports ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The role also includes respiratory equipment processing and maintenance, diagnostic studies such as blood gas analysis, patient preparation for transport or activity, and compliance with hospital safety, privacy, and performance-improvement requirements.

Requirements

State license to practice as a Respiratory Practitioner in the state of employment.
BLS certification upon hire.
Obtain ACLS certification within 90 days of employment.
Maintain licenses and certifications throughout employment.
Credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a CRT or RRT.
High school graduate or equivalent.
Documentation of training for testing performed.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to understand and carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Basic computer and word-processing skills.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Provide care for adult and geriatric patients ages 18 and over, respecting each patient’s rights, dignity, and individuality.
Explain the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment, and document education provided to patients and caregivers.
Conduct physician-prescribed respiratory treatments, including hand-held nebulizer therapy, oxygen and humidity delivery, and chest physical therapy.
Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators; participate in ventilator weaning under protocols and physician direction; and adjust ventilator setup to meet patient respiratory demand.
Maintain ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate as necessary.
Document treatments and patient responses in respiratory care records and the patient chart, and place MARs in the chart in the proper order.
Perform tracheostomy care and change trach tubes as required by hospital policy and procedure, documenting changes.
Replace tubing, inline suction devices, and suction canisters according to hospital policy and procedure.
Report treatments, patient conditions, changes, and new orders to relief personnel and keep the primary care nurse informed.
Clean, sterilize, package, and prepare respiratory therapy equipment, including ENT/bronchoscope equipment, for transport; verify that Cidex OPA is functional and tested within the prior 24 hours.
Perform preventative maintenance and 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 analyses, demonstrate competency with blood gas devices, and complete annual continuing education related to laboratory practices.
Assist with preparing respiratory care and ventilator patients for physical therapy, ambulation, transport, and other activities; store oxygen tanks according to OSHA and hospital guidelines.
Attend monthly Respiratory Care department meetings, general staff meetings, and in-services.
Follow the Hospital Compliance Plan and report suspected violations to the Compliance Officer.
Maintain professional conduct and follow hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and attendance requirements.
Follow measures to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens and participate in the Hazardous Material Program.
Comply with established safety and patient safety practices.
Recognize potential patient abuse and follow policy for appropriate referrals or interventions.
Participate in Performance Improvement activities.
Limit access to protected health information to what is reasonably necessary for job duties and share it only on a need-to-know basis for work purposes.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.