Respiratory Therapist 2

Tampa General Hospital•Tampa, FL

About The Position

Responsible for administering pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures to implement physician-prescribed treatment, disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, or diagnostic regimens. The role transcribes and implements physicians’ written or verbal orders; assesses, observes, and monitors patients’ signs, symptoms, behavior, and physical responses to respiratory treatments and diagnostic testing; and recommends and implements appropriate procedures and protocols based on observed abnormalities. The therapist implements treatment changes pursuant to physician orders and assesses and initiates emergency procedures. The role collaborates with other professional disciplines to provide effective, efficient care and achieve desired patient outcomes, and performs other required duties. The therapist makes informed care decisions based on assessments; communicates with coworkers, hospital staff, physicians, and administration; adapts to change and resolves issues through appropriate channels; collaborates with the team; and provides timely information to supervisors while documenting accurately. Responsibilities also include maintaining a clean, safe environment, using personal protective equipment correctly, participating in daily Patient Safety Huddles, and following patient safety protocols. The therapist performs and reports arterial blood gas procedures accurately and on time, follows respiratory protocols, maintains competency with ventilation equipment, administers and documents medications safely, cleans and sterilizes respiratory equipment, and sets up treatments according to physician orders. The role monitors mechanical ventilation and environmental systems, exercises sound judgment in crisis management and emergency care, and contributes to process improvements.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy.
License or registration issued by Florida or a compact state.
Registered Respiratory Therapist or Certified Respiratory Therapist credential.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Pediatric Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.
Two years of Respiratory Therapy experience required.

Responsibilities

Administer pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures.
Transcribe and implement physicians’ written or verbal orders related to respiratory care.
Assess, observe, and monitor patient signs, symptoms, behavior, and responses to respiratory treatments and diagnostic testing.
Recommend and implement respiratory care procedures and protocols based on observed abnormalities.
Implement changes in treatment pursuant to physician orders.
Assess patients and initiate emergency procedures when needed.
Collaborate with other professional disciplines to support effective patient care and desired outcomes.
Make informed care decisions based on assessments.
Communicate effectively with coworkers, hospital staff, physicians, and administration.
Adapt to change and resolve issues using appropriate channels; collaborate with the team and support group decisions.
Provide timely, relevant information to supervisors and document accurately.
Maintain a clean, safe environment and use personal protective equipment correctly.
Participate in daily Patient Safety Huddles and follow patient safety protocols.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills across age groups and seek guidance when needed.
Perform and report arterial blood gas procedures accurately and on time.
Follow respiratory protocols and maintain competency with ventilation equipment.
Administer medications safely in accordance with policies and document appropriately.
Clean and sterilize respiratory equipment and set up treatments according to physician orders.
Monitor mechanical ventilation and environmental systems.
Exercise sound judgment in crisis management and emergency care.
Contribute to process improvements and perform additional duties as needed.