RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Independence Health System•Greensburg, PA

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care and diagnostic services, on physician order, in critical care, general medical/surgical units, and specialty departments as required. The role requires broad clinical knowledge and the ability to work with physicians and other healthcare providers, generally without direct supervision. The therapist may serve as a clinical resource, coach, and mentor for other department members. The position considers CRT, RRT, and all career-ladder levels; final title and pay depend on education, experience, and certification. A 36-hour option is available. Scheduling is based on operational need and may involve rotating shifts, standby, or on-call work. Local travel between Independence Health System locations may be expected.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.
Graduation from a JRCRTE-approved respiratory care program, with a minimum of three to six months of clinical rotations.
Current licensure to practice in Pennsylvania.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED curriculum.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 34 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI clearance.
Strong leadership, organizational, independent and critical-thinking skills, and sound judgment.
Ability to communicate complex or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience and communicate effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Basic math and keyboard proficiency.
Functional skills using a PC and related software, including Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of basic office equipment, such as a copier and fax machine.
Strong time-management skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team, multitask, and prioritize assignments.
Creativity in treatment across inpatient, skilled nursing, and outpatient settings; ability to transition smoothly between treatment settings and flexibility in scheduling.
Ability to perform the essential job functions and meet the physical and working-condition requirements described in the posting.

Nice To Haves

Critical care experience.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
Experience in pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopies, blood gas analysis, and neonatal mechanical ventilation.
Neonatal resuscitation course.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
For a long-term care facility, one to two years of prior experience in a long-term care facility.

Responsibilities

Provide technical respiratory care procedures in assigned environments after unit-specific orientation.
Initiate and manage ventilators for patients on life support, except at Westmoreland Manor.
Perform arterial punctures and blood gas analysis.
Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients of all ages.
Maintain and monitor respiratory care equipment.
Assess patients for respiratory care needs and reassess them daily or as needed.
Administer inhaled medications, monitor patient responses, and report responses or adverse reactions to nurses and physicians.
Educate patients and families or caregivers about disease processes, prescribed therapies, medications, dosage, and equipment use.
Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and discharge planning as needed.
Use patient data and clinical findings to modify and direct respiratory care procedures and diagnostics.
Coordinate cardiopulmonary care with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
Follow departmental policies and procedures, review them annually, and recommend appropriate changes.
Communicate clearly with management, staff, physicians, patients, and coworkers; document care in a timely, legible manner and in the EMR according to department guidelines.
Communicate with physicians about patient respiratory status, therapy recommendations, and diagnostic testing; take and transcribe verbal and telephone orders.
Maintain supplies and inventory, report stock depletion, and keep the department and assigned areas clean and orderly.
Transcribe and carry out orders, use applicable information systems, and accurately charge equipment, supplies, and services.
Participate in quality improvement activities, respond to quality monitoring results, and report problems to the manager as appropriate.
Locate and use reference manuals, protocols, and department and system policies, including infection control, MSDS, and OSHA materials.
Perform specialized procedures as assigned and after specialized orientation or training, including bronchoscopy, pulmonary function testing, pulmonary stress and metabolic testing, Rapid Response team duties, emergency resuscitation, EKGs, intravenous catheter insertion, and patient phlebotomy.
Serve as a coach and mentor to other department positions.
Perform other duties as assigned.