Respiratory Therapist

Helia Healthcare•Salem, IL

13h

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist evaluates, treats, and documents care for nursing home residents with impaired respiratory and pulmonary function due to disease, including residents with tracheotomies and residents who are ventilator dependent. The role participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and plans, organizes, develops, and directs the Respiratory Department’s overall operation in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations. The therapist evaluates referred residents, follows physician orders and facility policies, provides treatment and education, operates respiratory therapy equipment safely, and completes timely documentation. The position also supports discharge planning, resident care conferences, quality improvement and assurance activities, and assigned Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. The therapist is responsible for resident safety, infection control practices, professional conduct, and cooperation with residents, families, facility staff, physicians, consultants, and ancillary service providers.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Program.
Valid Illinois state license as a Respiratory Therapist.
At least 3 years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
Thorough understanding of the regulatory process, MDS, and care planning process.
Fiscal and budgetary knowledge.
Knowledge of documentation requirements and commitment to quality care standards.
Ability to work with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Successful background check and drug screen are required for employment.

Responsibilities

Evaluate residents’ respiratory functional needs when referred by the attending physician or interdisciplinary team.
Follow physician orders and facility policies and procedures to evaluate and treat residents and document care provided.
Participate in discharge planning when appropriate.
Evaluate referred residents and document evaluations in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
Provide treatment to help residents maintain or attain the highest possible level of respiratory function within their physical condition.
Recommend and/or provide treatments and preventive measures to help prevent decline in residents’ respiratory function.
Provide resident and caregiver education to support residents in maintaining or attaining the highest possible level of respiratory function within their physical abilities.
Operate respiratory therapy equipment safely and effectively.
Maintain timely and accurate resident reports required by regulatory agencies and third-party payers.
Perform duties effectively, on time, and professionally; follow infection control procedures and facility policies.
Understand and follow Illinois Department of Public Health regulations and requirements.
Ensure the safety of residents under the therapist’s supervision.
Complete assigned Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment duties and documentation for evaluations, treatment plans, MDS assessments, care plans, and progress notes.
Participate in resident care, interdisciplinary care, and rehabilitation conferences as scheduled.
Participate in programs to improve resident care related to Quality Indicators and assume assigned Quality Assurance duties.
Accept assigned duties cooperatively and perform other related duties as directed by the supervisor.
Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality, and present a neat, clean, professional appearance.
Work cooperatively with residents, residents’ representatives, facility staff, physicians, consultants, and ancillary service providers.