Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Tenet Healthcare Corporation•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care to patients and completes established competencies for the position within the designated introductory period. The role performs diagnostic testing of the cardiopulmonary system and other aspects of respiratory care according to policies and procedures, under the direction of the Medical Director, Department Director, or Coordinator/Team Leader. Other related duties may be assigned. The position responds to emergencies, administers medications and treatments, maintains regulatory competencies, reports unusual patient conditions or reactions, documents services electronically, and provides handoff reports to oncoming staff. It also performs quality control on respiratory care equipment, including I-STAT blood gas analyzers; uses resources efficiently; maintains a safe environment; addresses patient population-specific needs; and participates in performance improvement activities.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited AMA Respiratory Care Program.
Current Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the State of Texas.
Current CRT or RRT certification from the NBRC; renewal is required every five years unless grandfathered prior to July 1, 2002.
Active healthcare provider Basic Life Support (BLS) from ARC or AHA upon hire; AHA Healthcare Provider BLS must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
AHA ACLS must be completed within 60 days of hire or transfer into the role.

Nice To Haves

Some experience in respiratory care or a related area.
AHA PALS must be completed within 60 days of hire or transfer into the role if covering pediatrics.
AHA NRP must be completed within 60 days of hire or transfer into the role if covering NICU.

Responsibilities

Perform respiratory care, including diagnostic testing of the cardiopulmonary system, in accordance with policies and procedures and under designated clinical leadership.
Respond to emergency situations.
Maintain competencies to ensure compliance with regulatory statutes.
Administer medications and treatments according to established policies.
Report unusual patient conditions or reactions to the immediate supervisor.
Document work and services electronically and provide written or verbal reports to oncoming staff.
Perform quality control on respiratory care equipment, including I-STAT blood gas analyzers.
Use resources efficiently and effectively.
Maintain a safe environment.
Address patient population-specific needs.
Participate in performance improvement activities.
Complete established position competencies within the designated introductory period.
Perform other related duties as assigned.