Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

WellSpan Health • Chambersburg, PA

10d

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist (RRT) administers respiratory treatments and assists with assessing and evaluating respiratory care under the supervision of the Manager of Respiratory Care Services. The role contributes to the development and evaluation of respiratory care services and supports the objectives, education, and research efforts of Respiratory Care Services, the hospital, and the American Association of Respiratory Care. The therapist recognizes and treats physical changes specific to the age groups served and assesses respiratory and cardiac patients, including routine and emergency cases, from admission through hospitalization and discharge.

The RRT plans and directs routine and emergency patient care, taking responsibility for developing, reviewing, and implementing respiratory care plans. The therapist identifies and carries out appropriate respiratory care interventions, delegates and mentors others, and evaluates patient progress toward expected outcomes. The role also evaluates patients with chronic pulmonary conditions, makes treatment and follow-up recommendations using assessment tools and clinical evaluation, and works with case management to coordinate durable medical equipment and support safe discharge. The therapist educates the pulmonary team about qualification processes and maintains communication with the care team to improve inpatient treatment and transitions of care. All work must be performed safely and efficiently within the scope of practice and hospital policy.

This is a PRN position in Chambersburg Respiratory Therapy with day, evening, and night shifts as needed. A minimum of 24 hours off shift is required per six-week schedule.

Requirements

• Associate's degree from an AMA-accredited Respiratory Therapist Program, or satisfaction of the educational requirements for a registered therapist established by the National Board for Respiratory Care or Pennsylvania Medical Board.
• Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care.
• Pennsylvania Medical Board license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• BLS certification.
• NRP certification required within six months of hire.
• ACLS certification required within six months of hire.
• PALS certification required within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Previous acute-care respiratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Create and update policies and procedures.
• Provide care according to approved protocols and guidelines when applicable.
• Provide non-concurrent therapy.
• Educate patients and caregivers in a manner appropriate to the disease and their level of understanding.
• Pursue continuing education beyond licensure requirements.
• Demonstrate competence in one or more specialty areas.
• Complete assigned or approved special projects and research tasks within established time frames.
• Prioritize workload to meet important deadlines.
• Assess, plan, prepare, and provide in-service education and training for physicians, respiratory staff, and nursing staff.
• Assist with development and implementation of new programs.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Attend at least 50% of staff or committee meetings and in-services for the area.
• Maintain equipment readiness and perform daily rounds to inspect and/or calibrate emergency equipment.
• Use effective problem-solving skills related to patient status.
• Verify written orders, accept and record verbal orders in the medical record, and perform daily chart checks.
• Use available technologies, including eMAR barcoding, to administer medications safely.
• Use proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self or others.
• Assess respiratory and cardiac patients upon admission, throughout hospitalization, and at discharge.
• Develop, review, implement, and evaluate respiratory care plans and interventions.
• Evaluate patients with chronic pulmonary conditions and recommend treatment and follow-up care.
• Coordinate durable medical equipment with case management to facilitate safe and effective discharge.
• Educate the pulmonary team about qualification processes and identify opportunities to improve them.
• Maintain communication with care-team members to improve inpatient treatment and transitions of care.
• Direct and mentor others to whom respiratory interventions are delegated.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Associate degree