Respiratory Therapist

Reliant Rehabilitation•Marshall, TX

17d

About The Position

Provides respiratory therapy and related services to patients while maintaining positive interactions with facilities and clients, in accordance with respiratory therapy practices and Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines. The role includes quality patient care through patient screening and evaluation, development of initial and ongoing treatment plans, discharge planning, supervision of assistants and rehabilitation technicians, and case management. The therapist maintains professional conduct and complies with applicable state and federal regulations. The position administers respiratory treatments and pulmonary care, performs respiratory assessments, monitors patient status, educates patients and caregivers, maintains equipment, documents care in the electronic medical record, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary healthcare team. It may also include clinical supervision of rehabilitation technicians or respiratory therapy students and contributing to clinical development across covered facilities. The work environment is described as an office environment with usually moderate noise and temperature. The role involves frequent patient lifting, including the ability to lift 50 pounds of dead weight alone, as well as constant walking, bending, standing, and reaching and sustained activity for many hours during a workday or shift.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
At least 2 years of experience in a respiratory therapy role; experience in a skilled nursing facility or acute care setting is preferred.
Proficiency in CPAP/BiPAP, medical ventilators, tracheostomy care, vest therapy, cough assist, and nebulizers.
Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and respiratory therapy standards in a skilled nursing facility setting.
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Basic internet navigation skills.
Valid state respiratory therapist license, where applicable.
Ability to lift 50 pounds of dead weight alone and frequently lift patients using appropriate biomechanical techniques.
Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a workday or shift and participate in sustained activities for many hours.
Visual, auditory, and speaking skills sufficient to evaluate, diagnose, communicate, monitor patient needs, maintain accurate records, recognize people, and understand and provide written, verbal, and gestural communication.
Fine motor skills for writing, computer keystrokes, charting, scheduling, correspondence, reports, and handling diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

Nice To Haves

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credentials.
Experience in a skilled nursing facility or acute care setting.

Responsibilities

Administer and manage respiratory therapy treatments, including CPAP/BiPAP, medical ventilators, and other forms of ventilatory support, according to established protocols.
Perform routine and emergency tracheostomy care, including suctioning, tube changes, and stoma care.
Provide pulmonary care, including vest therapy, cough assist, and nebulizer treatments.
Conduct respiratory assessments, monitor patient status, and modify treatment plans based on clinical findings and physician directives.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers about respiratory therapy techniques, equipment use, and safety protocols.
Maintain and troubleshoot respiratory therapy equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans.
Document treatments, observations, and patient responses accurately in the electronic medical record.
Participate in resident care conferences and provide input on respiratory therapy goals and progress.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, facility policies, and procedures related to respiratory care.
Assist in developing and implementing respiratory care protocols and guidelines.
Keep current with respiratory therapy techniques and equipment through continuing education and training.
May assist in supervising rehabilitation technicians and/or respiratory therapy students within state practice act guidelines, including providing consultation and clinical supervision and helping ensure treatment plans are carried out.
May assist the RDO and DOR with clinical development of respiratory therapists and rehabilitation technicians in covered facilities.