Respiratory Therapist - Per Diem

Covenant Health•Lewiston, ME

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist performs, assists, and instructs in all therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory care areas for inpatient and outpatient populations ranging from infants to adults. This role involves assessing patient needs, administering therapeutic interventions, conducting cardiopulmonary diagnostics, managing life support, educating patients and families, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure quality care. The position requires adherence to standard operating procedures, accurate documentation in the patient's EMR, and maintaining up-to-date certifications and safety training. Supporting student learning is also a shared responsibility.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal skills a must and ability to handle multiple priorities, independent discretion/decision making, makes decisions under pressure.
Manage anger/fear/hostility/violence, manage stress appropriately, work alone, work with others.
Strong knowledge of stabilization through transport of patients with RDS, invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, inhaled bronchodilator therapy, and arterial blood gas sampling.
Ability to assess of respiratory distress.
Attention to detail extremely important.
Medical terminology a must.
Computer literate.
Patient advocacy.
Must be able to read, speak and comprehend the English language.
Active BLS, ACLS, and NRP certifications required within 30 days of hire.
Must have completed an AMA approved Respiratory Therapy program earning a two-year associate degree in respiratory care.
Current State License to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
Must be able to work in a highpaced environment where multi-tasking, prioritizing and sound decision-making skills are required.
Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, (standing up to 8+ hours), twisting, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching.
Lifting/carrying frequently up to 50 pounds, lift/carry up from floor up to waist 50lbs. and lift from waist level up to 30 lbs.
OSHA approved respirator
Gloves
Goggles
Gown
Other

Nice To Haves

1 year of respiratory therapy preferred.

Responsibilities

Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
Prioritize patient workload based on acuity.
Assess patient needs in respiratory therapy and provide recommendations to attending physicians.
Administer therapeutic interventions such as oxygen administration, bland aerosol, aerosolized bronchodilator therapy, chest percussion/vibration, bronchial hygiene, and sustained maximal inspiration.
Document all therapeutic procedures in patient charts adhering to standard operating procedures.
Conduct cardiopulmonary diagnostics accurately as per physician orders, including arterial puncture, arterial blood gas sampling, electrocardiogram, pulse oximetry, capnography, pulmonary function testing, and bronchoscopy assistance.
Assess effectiveness of life support interventions and provide recommendations.
Perform basic and advanced life support procedures, including invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, bi-level pressure support, and continuous positive airway pressure support.
Document ventilatory parameters and changes according to protocol.
Assess learning needs of patients and family members related to cardiopulmonary disease.
Plan and deliver education tailored to individual needs.
Serve as a resource and provide in-service education in specialized areas.
Instruct on the use of respiratory therapy devices for home care.
Evaluate effectiveness of teaching and adjust plans accordingly.
Document all patient/family training before end of shift.
Actively participate in discharge planning.
Execute provider orders and provide recommendations as necessary.
Manage medical supply inventories responsibly.
Maintain emergency airway carts.
Process dirty equipment according to infection control policies.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation in patient’s EMR including charge entry.
Collaborate with other clinical departments for quality care.
Attend mandated in-services and department staff meetings.
Apply evidence-based best practices in patient care.
Maintain up-to-date certifications and safety training.
Complete annual/critical competencies.
Identify personal learning needs and seek opportunities and keep educational training log current.
Stay informed about changes and advances in the field.
Maintains required licenses, certifications, and competencies, and completes annual compliance courses on time.
Supporting student learning is a shared responsibility. Every team member is expected to contribute to creating a welcoming environment and to actively assist students in their educational experience, regardless of their specific role.
Other duties as consistent with this role.