Respiratory Therapist RT Days and Nights

Vibra Travels • Calvert City, KY

6h

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist works under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Manager and/or Lead Respiratory Therapist and, upon physician request, sets up and operates respiratory care equipment used to diagnose and treat respiratory disease and illness. The position provides care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 and over.

The therapist explains treatments, tests, and equipment to patients, documents education and care, conducts prescribed respiratory treatments, operates and monitors ventilators, and participates in ventilator weaning under protocols and physician direction. The role also includes airway and tracheostomy care, respiratory equipment processing and maintenance, diagnostic testing including blood gas analysis, routine equipment checks, and coordination with nurses and other staff.

The therapist is expected to follow hospital policies and safety, compliance, infection-prevention, patient-safety, and privacy requirements; attend departmental meetings and in-services; and participate in performance-improvement activities. The posting identifies the role as PRN.

Requirements

• Current 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 for the duration of employment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate respiratory care equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and illness.
• 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 treatments, including handheld nebulizer therapy, nasal oxygen delivery, administration of medicinal vapors and gases, humidity and oxygen concentrations, and chest physical therapy.
• Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators; participate in ventilator weaning according to protocols and physician direction; and adjust ventilator setup to support patient comfort and respiratory demand.
• Maintain ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate as necessary.
• Record treatments and patient responses in respiratory care records and the patient chart, and place medication administration records in the proper order.
• Perform tracheostomy care and change tracheostomy tubes as necessary according to hospital policy, documenting tube changes.
• Change tubing, inline suction devices, and 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 function using a test strip within the prior 24 hours.
• Perform preventative maintenance and equipment repairs, including ventilator EST and SST pre-use checks, and document checks 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 respiratory equipment per hospital procedures.
• Perform and evaluate arterial and venous blood gas analyses, 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 suspected violations to the Compliance Officer.
• Maintain professional conduct and follow hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and attendance requirements.
• Follow bloodborne-pathogen precautions, hazardous-material procedures, and established safety and patient-safety practices.
• Recognize potential patient abuse and follow policy for appropriate referrals and interventions.
• Participate in performance-improvement activities and protect patient health information by limiting access and sharing it only as needed for work purposes.
• Perform other incidental and related duties as required or assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed