Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Therapy - Kings Hwy - PRN

Ochsner Health•Shreveport, LA

10d

About The Position

Provides respiratory care treatment, oxygen services, diagnostic testing, and ventilation support to inpatients and outpatients ranging from neonatal to geriatric. Monitors and weans oxygen therapy and artificial ventilation; draws, analyzes, and reports arterial blood gases and EKGs; and delivers intermittent therapy. Assists with changing artificial airways and provides services as ordered by a physician and in accordance with established policies and procedures. The position performs routine and advanced therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, documents patient clinical information, and provides education to patients and co-workers. Care is based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and other criteria appropriate to the age of patients served in the assigned area. The incumbent maintains certifications and current technical knowledge, attends staff meetings, and performs other related duties as required. The role must comply with applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements, as well as the employer's Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct. The role is based in a patient-care environment and involves routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, specimens that may contain communicable diseases, and potentially hazardous medications or waste. The stated physical-demand classification is Very Heavy Work, involving exertion above 100 pounds occasionally, above 50 pounds frequently, and above 20 pounds constantly to move objects. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Associate's degree with a current Respiratory Therapist license in the state of practice, Certified Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care, and American Heart Association BLS certification; ACLS must be obtained within 90 days of hire. NRP certification is required only for trained therapists working in the NICU.
Alternatively, a high school diploma or equivalent with a current Respiratory Therapist license in the state of practice, Registered Respiratory Therapist certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care, and American Heart Association BLS certification; ACLS must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
No prior work experience is required.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of patient information, including proficiency with Windows-style applications and keyboard use.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands classified as Very Heavy Work.
Ability to work in an environment with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, potentially infectious specimens, and possible exposure to hazardous medications or waste.

Responsibilities

Provide respiratory care, oxygen services, diagnostic testing, and ventilation support to inpatients and outpatients from neonatal to geriatric age.
Monitor and wean oxygen therapy and artificial ventilation.
Draw, analyze, and report arterial blood gases and EKGs.
Deliver intermittent therapy and assist with changing artificial airways.
Provide physician-ordered services in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Perform routine and advanced therapeutic procedures according to established policy and procedure.
Review and document clinical information for each patient.
Educate patients and co-workers about procedures and treatment plans.
Perform diagnostic procedures.
Provide care appropriate to the physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related needs of patients served in the assigned area.
Maintain professional certifications and current knowledge of technical procedures.
Attend staff meetings and perform other related duties as required.
Remain knowledgeable about and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
Immediately report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance concerns.