Respiratory Therapist

St. Elizabeth Healthcare•Fort Thomas, KY

145d•Onsite

About The Position

St. Elizabeth Healthcare is hiring a Respiratory Therapist – RRT/CRT for our Respiratory Therapy Unit located within the Ft. Thomas Hospital. This position is 3rd shift, 7p - 7a. The role involves administering safe and effective respiratory treatments and medical gas therapy, maintaining equipment, ensuring a clean work environment, and complying with regulations. The Respiratory Therapist will document and communicate therapy effects, mentor students, assess patients' cardiopulmonary status, and recommend appropriate therapies. They will also explain therapies to patients, initiate CPR, and provide mechanical ventilator support. The position requires personal development, including goal setting and continuous learning. The Respiratory Therapist will also perform diagnostic tests and may conduct bedside spirometry. Customer service and professionalism are key aspects of the role.

Requirements

Registered Respiratory Therapist as described by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Holds current mandatory certification in the state to practice Respiratory Therapy in the state where work is being performed.
Associate degree in applied science or equivalent.
All Registered respiratory therapists must maintain their credential as described in the Continuing Competency of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Failure to maintain the credential will result in a demotion transfer to Respiratory Technician until their credential is reinstated by the NBRC
ACLS certification- if not already certified, will be required post-hire

Nice To Haves

CRT will also be considered at the appropriate CRT rate.

Responsibilities

Administers safe, effective respiratory treatments, and effective medical gas therapy consistent with current standards of practice, to restore normal cardio-pulmonary function.
Maintains equipment and supplies to ensure decontamination, disinfection, sterilization of supplies.
Maintenance of a clean, safe and organized work environment.
Follows work related duties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Completes all required safety, infection control and age specific programs as prescribed.
Documents and communicates effects and effectiveness of therapy administered to ensure continuity of care between other members of the health care team.
Uses background knowledge and clinical skill to mentor students from clinical affiliates.
Uses background knowledge and clinical skills to assess patients’ cardiopulmonary status to implement a Respiratory Care Plan is appropriate for the patient’s age groups.
Compares ordered therapy to patients' cardio-pulmonary status recommending, when necessary, more appropriate, more cost effective or less invasive therapy to achieve the therapeutic objective.
Explains the purpose and benefits of ordered therapy, teaching the patient proper therapy techniques, to elicit patient cooperation and insure effective therapy.
Initiates and maintains cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BLS).
Takes responsibility for self-development by acquiring skills and sharing experiences which support organizational/ department objectives.
Pursues excellence and service, demonstrates desire and effort to be a continuous learner as evidenced by the following: Identifies personal goals and objectives annually as a part of performance appraisal. Completes Federal, State and System annual requirements. Identifies self-development opportunities and makes the effort to take advantage of those opportunities.
Serves as team leader per department policy.
Upon physicians' orders uses background knowledge and clinical skills to provide mechanical ventilator support to sustain patients' cardio-pulmonary function.
With indirect supervision uses background knowledge, clinical skills and specialized training to conduct a variety of diagnostic tests to determine patients' cardio-pulmonary function.
May perform bedside spirometry for the PFT lab when needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Meets customer relations expectations: Is accountable for his/her behavior. Interacts with internal and external customers using AIDET methodology. Is accountable for his/her behavior. Actions contribute to improved customer satisfaction outcome. Interacts with internal and external customers.
Meets Professionalism Standards: Conducts himself/herself in a professional manner. Assumes the responsibility for his/her professional growth and development. Uses proper communications channels, maintains confidentially of customer information and protected healthcare information, (PHI). Attends staff meetings as required, participates in training programs, ensures completion of annual competencies. Stays up to date with Health System information by reviewing written and electronic communications from various sectors of the System. Works within and as a member of the Sleep Disorders Team but is able to function independently when necessary.