RT Respiratory Therapist Full Time Days and Nights RT

Vibra Travels•Tuscola, MI

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Manager and/or Lead Respiratory Therapist, and upon request of a physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates respiratory care equipment used to diagnose and treat respiratory disease and illness. The role provides care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 and over in a long-term acute care facility. The therapist administers prescribed respiratory treatments, operates and monitors ventilators, participates in ventilator weaning, performs tracheostomy care, and conducts respiratory diagnostic studies including blood gas analysis. The role also includes documenting treatments and patient responses, educating patients and caregivers, maintaining and processing respiratory equipment, performing equipment checks and maintenance, communicating with clinical staff, and complying with hospital safety, privacy, and quality policies.

Requirements

Licensed to practice by the state of employment as a Respiratory Practitioner.
Hold BLS certification upon hire and obtain ACLS certification within 90 days of employment.
Maintain licenses and certifications for the duration of employment.
Hold a CRT or RRT credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care.
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and have documentation of training for testing performed.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to perform basic math, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Knowledge of basic computer skills and word processing.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Provide respiratory care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 and over while respecting each patient's rights, dignity, and individuality.
Explain the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to patients, and document education provided to patients and caregivers.
Conduct physician-prescribed respiratory treatments, including hand-held nebulizer therapy, oxygen and humidity delivery, medicinal vapors and gases, and chest physical therapy.
Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators for patients unable to maintain adequate spontaneous ventilation; participate in ventilator weaning according to protocols and physician direction.
Configure ventilators using ventilator graphics to support patient comfort and respiratory demand.
Maintain ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate as necessary.
Document treatments, patient responses, and other pertinent information in respiratory care records and the patient chart, and place MARs in the proper order.
Perform tracheostomy care according to hospital policy and procedure; replace tracheostomy tubes as necessary and document changes.
Replace tubing and inline suction devices, including suction canisters, according to hospital policy and procedure.
Report treatments and patient conditions to relief personnel, communicate changes and new orders, and keep the patient's primary care nurse informed.
Clean, sterilize, package, and prepare respiratory therapy equipment, including ENT/bronchoscope equipment, for transport; verify Cidex OPA functionality and test-strip status.
Perform preventative maintenance and equipment repairs, including ventilator EST and SST pre-use checks, and document these checks in the cleaning log.
Make regular rounds, checking 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 respiratory equipment.
Perform and evaluate arterial and venous blood gas analysis, demonstrate competency with blood gas devices, and maintain annual continuing education related to laboratory practices.
Assist respiratory care and ventilator patients with preparation for physical therapy, ambulation, and transport; store oxygen tanks according to OSHA and hospital guidelines.
Attend monthly Respiratory Care departmental meetings, general staff meetings, and in-services.
Follow the Hospital Compliance Plan and report violations or suspected violations to the Compliance Officer.
Demonstrate professional conduct and comply with hospital and departmental policies, attendance requirements, safety practices, and patient safety measures.
Comply with bloodborne pathogen precautions and the Hazardous Material Program, including precautions related to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, sharps, chemicals, and gases.
Recognize potential patient abuse and follow policy for appropriate referrals and interventions.
Participate in Performance Improvement activities.
Limit access to protected health information to what is reasonably necessary for work and share it only on a need-to-know basis.
Perform other incidental and related duties as required or assigned.