RT Respiratory Therapist Full Time Days and Nights RT

Vibra Travels•Buffalo Gap, 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 and illness. The role provides care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 and over in a long-term acute care facility. The therapist conducts prescribed respiratory treatments, operates and monitors ventilators, supports ventilator weaning, performs tracheostomy care, assists with intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and conducts respiratory diagnostic studies including blood gas analysis. The position also includes equipment processing and maintenance, patient and caregiver education, accurate documentation, communication with care team members, and participation in department meetings, in-services, safety programs, and performance improvement activities.

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.
Credentialing by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a CRT or RRT.
High school graduate or equivalent, with 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 follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and solve 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 available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Provide respiratory care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 years and over, respecting each patient's rights, dignity, and individuality.
Explain treatments, tests, and equipment to patients and document education provided to patients and caregivers.
Conduct physician-prescribed treatments, including hand-held nebulizer therapy, oxygen delivery, medicinal vapors and gases, humidity, and chest physical therapy.
Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators; participate in ventilator weaning using protocols and physician direction; and ensure appropriate flow and patient comfort.
Maintain ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate as necessary.
Document 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 required by hospital policy, documenting tube changes.
Replace tubing, inline suction devices, and suction canisters in accordance with hospital policy.
Report patient conditions and treatments to relief personnel, communicate changes and new orders, and keep the primary care nurse informed.
Clean, sterilize, package, and prepare respiratory therapy equipment, including ENT/bronchoscope scopes, for transport; verify Cidex OPA functionality and test-strip status.
Perform preventive maintenance and equipment repairs, conduct ventilator EST and SST pre-use checks, and document maintenance 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 equipment as required.
Perform and evaluate arterial and venous blood gas analysis, 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, and transport; 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.
Demonstrate professional conduct and comply with hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and attendance requirements.
Follow bloodborne pathogen, hazardous materials, safety, and patient safety practices.
Recognize responsibilities related to patient abuse and follow policy for 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.