Full-time Respiratory Therapist

Lexington Regional Health Center • Lexington, NE

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Lexington Regional Health Center is seeking a full-time Respiratory Therapist to join their Respiratory Therapy Department. This role is responsible for assessing and administering respiratory services, utilizing appropriate therapies to treat patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies under the supervision of the patient’s Medical Provider and Director of Respiratory Services. The therapist will administer various respiratory therapies, conduct diagnostic testing, provide patient and family education, perform patient assessments, and accurately document all procedures and assessments. The position involves working with all age groups, troubleshooting respiratory equipment, and participating in patient care activities that may involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens and biohazardous waste. The role also ensures the environment meets governing body standards, proper specimen handling, and maintains patient and staff safety through various tools and protocols. Regular attendance and performance of all other assigned duties are required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of respiratory care therapies and procedures, equipment operation and basic computer skills to document procedures and assessments, as is typically acquired through the completion of an Associate's degree in a Respiratory Care program from an accredited school.
• Current licensure as a Registered or Certified Respiratory Therapist from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
• Current Basic Life Support certification via American Heart Association required.
• Attention to detail up to 75% of work time when assessing patients and completing patient documentation.
• Analytical skills to troubleshoot problems with equipment, observe and evaluate patient status, etc.
• Advanced communication skills to educate patients and families, correspond with other healthcare professionals regarding a patient's plan of care, etc. Ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to protected and sensitive information.
• Ability to complete reports and correspondence at a professional level.
• Ability to immediately respond to common inquiries and complaints from patients, employees and regulatory agencies.
• Successful completion of required knowledge and training of standard precaution and transmission protocols and when to apply during principle duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assesses and administers respiratory services while utilizing appropriate therapies to treat patients with deficiencies of the cardiopulmonary system, by prescription or approved protocol under the supervision of the patient’s Medical Provider and Director of Respiratory Services.
• Administers respiratory therapies such as: nebulizer treatments, oxygen therapy, inhaled medications, bronchial hygiene therapy, lung volume expansion therapy, etc. Reacts to patient’s status changes and emergency situations appropriately and efficiently.
• Administers diagnostic testing to patients with cardio-pulmonary abnormalities such as EKG’s, PFT’s, Cardiac Stress Testing, ABG’s, obtaining sputum cultures, Pulmonary Rehab, etc.
• Provides education to patients and families regarding lung diseases. This may include COPD, asthma, smoking cessation, etc.
• Performs a thorough patient assessment including listening to lung sounds, counting respirations, assessing work of breathing, etc.
• Thoroughly and accurately documents every procedure and assessment performed.
• Works with all age groups ranging from infants and pediatrics to adults.
• Trouble-shoots skills to adjust BIPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen equipment, ventilator, etc.
• Participates in patient care activities that could include blood exposure and risk to bloodborne pathogens (eg: lacerations, handling of blood-contaminated specimens, etc.)
• Responsible for safe bagging and disposal of biohazardous waste.
• Responsible for ensuring the environment meets appropriate governing body standards.
• Responsible for proper collection, storage and labeling of biological specimens.
• Ensure patients and visitors follow current infection control guidelines.
• Maintains patient and staff safety through the use of patient safety tools (TeamSTEPPS, Just Culture, etc).
• Regular attendance at the assigned work location is required.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree