Respiratory Therapist

WellSpan Health•Chambersburg, PA

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory treatments, helps assess and evaluate patients’ respiratory care, and supports the development and evaluation of respiratory care services. Under the supervision of the Manager of Respiratory Care Services, the therapist contributes to the goals, educational activities, and research efforts of Respiratory Care Services, the hospital, and the American Association of Respiratory Care. The role requires recognizing and treating physical changes relevant to the age groups served. The therapist assesses patients with respiratory and cardiac illnesses during routine and emergency admissions, throughout hospitalization, and at discharge. The therapist plans and directs routine and emergency care, develops and implements respiratory care plans, selects appropriate interventions, and evaluates progress toward expected outcomes. The role also includes evaluating patients with chronic pulmonary conditions, recommending treatment and follow-up using clinical assessment tools, coordinating durable medical equipment with case management, educating the pulmonary team about qualification processes, and supporting effective transitions from inpatient care to discharge. The work must be performed safely and efficiently within the scope of Respiratory Care Services and hospital policy. The position is full time on the night shift, with 12-hour shifts totaling 72 hours biweekly, and includes weekend and holiday rotation.

Requirements

Associate 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.
Credentialing as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the Pennsylvania Medical Board.
BLS certification.
NRP certification required within 6 months of hire.
ACLS certification required within 6 months of hire.
PALS certification required within 6 months of hire.
Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous acute care respiratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer respiratory treatments and assist with assessing and evaluating respiratory care needs.
Assess respiratory and cardiac patients during routine and emergency admissions, hospitalization, and discharge.
Develop, review, and implement respiratory care plans; direct patient care and evaluate progress toward expected outcomes.
Identify and implement appropriate respiratory care activities, observations, and interventions.
Direct and mentor colleagues to whom respiratory interventions are delegated.
Evaluate patients with chronic pulmonary conditions and recommend treatment and follow-up care.
Coordinate durable medical equipment with case management to support safe and effective discharge.
Educate the pulmonary team on qualification processes and identify opportunities to improve those processes.
Communicate with members of the care team to improve inpatient treatment and transitions of care.
Create and update policies and procedures.
Provide care according to approved protocols and guidelines when applicable, including non-concurrent therapy.
Educate patients and caregivers in a manner appropriate to the disease and their level of understanding.
Complete continuing education beyond licensure requirements and 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.
Plan and provide in-service education and training for physicians, respiratory staff, and nursing staff.
Assist with developing and implementing new programs and respond appropriately to emergencies.
Attend at least 50% of area staff and committee meetings and in-services.
Maintain equipment readiness and conduct daily inspections and/or calibration checks of 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, such as eMAR barcoding, to administer medications safely.
Use proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self or others.