Travel Contract - RT - Respiratory Therapist

Nurses Direct•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care treatment, oxygen services, diagnostic testing, and ventilation support to inpatients and outpatients ranging from neonatal to geriatric. The role monitors and weans oxygen therapy and artificial ventilation; draws, analyzes, and reports arterial blood gases and EKGs; delivers intermittent therapy; and assists with changing artificial airways. Services are provided as ordered by a physician and in accordance with established policies and procedures. The position performs routine and advanced therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, reviews and documents patient clinical information, and educates patients and coworkers about procedures and treatment plans. Care is provided according to the physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and other needs appropriate to the age of patients served. The therapist maintains professional certifications and current technical knowledge, attends staff meetings, and performs other related duties as required. This is a travel contract role with 12-hour shifts and 36 hours per week.

Requirements

Associate's degree.
Current license as a Respiratory Therapist in the state of practice.
Credentialing by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT); the posting also specifies CRT or RRT.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Prior respiratory therapy experience; the posting specifies both 2 years prior experience and 1 year respiratory therapy experience.
Neonatal experience is required for this location.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
Proficiency with Windows-style applications and keyboard use.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Provide respiratory care treatment, oxygen services, diagnostic testing, and ventilation support to inpatients and outpatients from neonatal to geriatric age groups.
Monitor and wean oxygen therapy and artificial ventilation.
Draw, analyze, and report arterial blood gases and EKGs.
Deliver intermittent therapy.
Assist with changing artificial airways.
Provide services as ordered by a physician and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Perform routine and advanced therapeutic procedures according to established policy and procedure.
Review and document clinical information regarding each patient.
Educate patients and coworkers on procedures and treatment plans.
Perform diagnostic procedures.
Provide age-appropriate care based on patients' physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related needs.
Maintain professional certifications and up-to-date knowledge of technical procedures.
Attend staff meetings and perform other related duties as required.