Respiratory Therapist

Reliant Rehabilitation•Atlanta, TX

About The Position

Provides respiratory therapy and related services to patients while maintaining positive interactions with facilities and clients, in accordance with respiratory therapy principles and practices and Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines. The role includes screening and evaluating patients; developing initial and ongoing treatment plans and discharge plans; supervising assistants and Rehab Techs; and performing case management responsibilities. The therapist is expected to represent Reliant Rehabilitation’s commitment to quality and service, maintain professional conduct, and comply with state and federal respiratory therapy regulations. The role provides respiratory treatments and pulmonary care, assesses and monitors residents, adjusts treatment plans based on clinical findings and physician directives, educates residents and caregivers, maintains respiratory equipment, documents care in the electronic medical record, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary healthcare team. It may also involve supervising Rehab Techs or RT students and supporting clinical development across covered facilities. The workplace is described as an office environment with a usually moderate noise level and temperature. The position involves frequent patient lifting and sustained physical activity throughout a workday or shift.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a respiratory therapy role.
Proficiency in CPAP/BiPAP, medical ventilators, tracheostomy care, vest therapy, cough assist, and nebulizers.
Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards for respiratory therapy in a SNF setting.
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Basic Internet navigation skills.
Valid respiratory therapist state license, where applicable.
Ability to lift 50 pounds of dead weight alone and frequently lift patients using appropriate biomechanical techniques.
Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a workday or shift, and participate in sustained activities for many hours.
Visual, auditory, and speaking skills sufficient to evaluate, diagnose, communicate, and monitor patient needs; maintain accurate records; recognize people; and understand and provide written, verbal, and gestural communications.
Fine motor skills for writing, keystroking, charting, scheduling, correspondence, reports, and handling diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a skilled nursing facility or acute care setting.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credentials.

Responsibilities

Administer and manage respiratory therapy treatments, including CPAP/BiPAP, medical ventilators, and other forms of ventilatory support, according to established protocols.
Perform routine and emergency tracheostomy care, including suctioning, tube changes, and stoma care.
Provide complex pulmonary care, including vest therapy, cough assist, and nebulizer treatments.
Conduct respiratory assessments, monitor resident status, and modify treatment plans based on clinical findings and physician directives.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on respiratory therapy techniques, equipment use, and safety protocols.
Maintain and troubleshoot respiratory therapy equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans.
Document treatments, observations, and resident responses accurately in the electronic medical record.
Participate in resident care conferences and provide input on respiratory therapy goals and progress.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, facility policies, and procedures related to respiratory care.
Assist in developing and implementing respiratory care protocols and guidelines.
Stay current with respiratory therapy techniques and equipment through continuing education and training.
May assist with supervising Rehab Techs and RT students, including consultation and clinical supervision, ensuring treatment plans are carried out, and supporting clinical development.