Respiratory Therapist, NICU - Memorial City

Memorial Hermann Health System•Forrest City, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for clinical leadership and management of selected respiratory care service lines, including program development, performance improvement, clinical quality monitoring, and maintaining positive physician relationships. The role recommends therapeutic and diagnostic procedures for patients with respiratory disorders, including patients in adult and/or pediatric/neonatal critical care units, and serves as a resource to RCP I, RCP II, and RCP III staff. The therapist participates in and leads advanced patient education and is actively involved in departmental operations. This position is based in the NICU at Memorial City and is listed as full-time, night shift. Prior NICU experience is a plus. The role includes respiratory care procedures, patient assessment, treatment evaluation, care planning, documentation, equipment evaluation, continuing education, and service to patients, colleagues, and the community.

Requirements

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).
Current, unrestricted Respiratory Care Practitioner License with the State of Texas.
BCLS certification and one of the following: ACLS, PALS, NRP, CPFT, RPFT, RPSGT, Asthma Certified Educator, NRP Instructor, ACLS Instructor, PALS Instructor, or CPR Instructor.
Ability to commit to the elected commitment schedule, with flexibility in scheduling and in moving among patient care areas when necessary.
Physical ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds; stand for prolonged periods; and walk, stoop, and squat frequently.
Fine hand dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
Ability to receive oral and written communication and communicate verbally and in writing.
Visual ability to monitor instruments, computers, and equipment; recognize alphanumeric characters; distinguish colors; and observe physical characteristics.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred.
Four years of critical care experience preferred.
Prior NICU experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Promote quality patient care, customer service and satisfaction, safety, cost efficiency, and continuous quality improvement.
Perform respiratory care, quality assurance problem-solving, and appropriate follow-up actions.
Administer medical gases, humidifiers, and aerosols for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in accordance with advanced skills check-offs; conduct advanced patient education.
Follow physicians’ verbal treatment orders when administering drugs and medications to the cardiopulmonary system; evaluate treatment programs and results and take appropriate action.
Assess patients and interpret arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests, hemodynamics, and chest x-rays as indicated by skills check-offs.
Develop respiratory care plans and make recommendations for patient management; serve as a resource to RCP I staff.
Communicate effectively with professional colleagues, manage time, and complete medical-record and other documentation accurately and efficiently.
Participate in evaluation of new respiratory care equipment.
Maintain current respiratory care knowledge through continuing education, in-service training, and journal review; conduct at least one interdepartmental or intradepartmental respiratory care in-service each year.
Adhere to the agreed-upon supplemental schedule and elected commitment schedule.
Ensure safe care for patients, staff, and visitors while following organizational policies, procedures, and standards related to time, supplies, productivity, and service quality.
Meet mandatory education and skills-competency requirements; support department goals and serve as a preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff.
Model compassionate, personalized, safe, and efficient service for patients and colleagues.
Perform other duties as assigned.