Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Genesis Administrative Services•Fairland, MD

About The Position

At Powerback, Respiratory Therapists provide respiratory care in a skilled nursing facility, primarily serving adult and geriatric residents. Under general supervision and medical direction, the therapist performs procedures according to physicians’ treatment plans and departmental policies, assessing residents and managing care, resources, and discharge planning as needed. The role includes administering prescribed therapies and aerosolized medications, monitoring and documenting residents’ responses, and involving families and facility staff in assessment and ongoing care. The therapist initiates and maintains life-support systems, provides airway care, manages and troubleshoots ventilators, and participates in emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They assess cardiopulmonary status, develop respiratory care plans upon physician order, deliver and evaluate respiratory modalities, recognize and respond to adverse reactions, and document services in the medical record. The role also includes equipment and supply management, resident and family instruction, participation in interdisciplinary care planning and quality assurance, ongoing professional education, and efficient delivery and documentation of rehabilitation services.

Requirements

Completion of a NBRC-approved and accredited respiratory therapy program.
One year of clinical practice experience under medical direction.
Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification.
Current state licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
CPR certification is required for participation in emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Responsibilities

Assess residents’ cardiopulmonary status using physical assessment, history, laboratory findings, chest radiology, pulmonary function testing, and professional judgment; formulate respiratory care plans upon physician order.
Review physician orders and resident records, verify required treatment details, observe and document relevant clinical findings, and notify supervisors of new or discontinued residents.
Administer prescribed respiratory therapy and aerosolized medications, adjust equipment and devices, monitor residents’ responses, and communicate pertinent information to nursing staff.
Initiate, monitor, maintain, and document life-support systems and respiratory care modalities in the skilled nursing facility.
Perform airway care and maintenance; manage artificial ventilator status under an approved protocol; and maintain and troubleshoot mechanical ventilators.
Participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including bag ventilation and closed-chest massage.
Initiate, administer, evaluate, and document ordered therapies, including intermittent positive pressure breathing, hand-held nebulizer treatments, chest physical therapy, breathing and cough retraining, deep tracheal suctioning, incentive spirometry, and sputum induction.
Recognize adverse reactions to respiratory therapy and take appropriate action.
Document resident care services and accept and transcribe verbal orders related to respiratory care procedures.
Inspect, test, clean, reassemble, and properly dispose of equipment; maintain necessary supplies and equipment logs; and perform administrative record keeping as needed.
Instruct residents and family members about the rationale and methods of respiratory procedures and support residents’ rehabilitation goals.
Provide in-service training to residents, family members, and facility staff.
Attend educational programs and read professional journals to maintain and enhance clinical and technical competencies.
Participate in interdisciplinary resident rounds and conferences to plan and evaluate care.
Participate in assigned quality assurance data collection.
Deliver rehabilitation services efficiently, follow the established plan of care and schedules, and complete documentation on time.
Troubleshoot equipment and perform tasks that support diagnostic equipment accuracy, quality control, preventive maintenance, and calibration.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans for full-time team members.
Dental and vision plans for part-time team members.
Paid time off for full-time and part-time team members.
Clinical mentorship program for new graduates, beginning on day one.
Free continuing education units through Medbridge.
Visa or Green Card sponsorship support.
Journey Travel Program offering work across the U.S. with the security of a full-time role.
Discounts on wireless/TV, home/auto/renters and pet insurance, childcare, eldercare, and other services.
PowerZone Employee Recognition Program rewards.
Clinicians in Action professional development program.