RT Respiratory Therapist RT Full Time

Vibra Travels•Coleman, TX

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist works under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Manager and/or Lead Respiratory Therapist and, upon physician request, sets up and operates respiratory care equipment used to diagnose and treat respiratory disease and illness. The role provides care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 and over, including prescribed respiratory treatments, ventilator management, airway care, diagnostic studies, and equipment maintenance. The position is full-time, with an 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. schedule, at a long-term acute care facility. The therapist explains treatments, tests, and equipment to patients and documents education and treatment outcomes. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, and relief personnel, keep the patient’s primary care nurse informed of changes and orders, and prepare patients for activities such as physical therapy, ambulation, and transport. The role also includes following hospital policies and safety requirements, protecting patient information, participating in departmental meetings and improvement activities, and performing related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Practitioner in the state of employment.
BLS certification upon hire.
Obtain ACLS certification within 90 days of employment.
Maintain licenses and certifications for the duration of employment.
Provide care for adult or geriatric patients aged 18 years and over.

Responsibilities

Provide respiratory care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 and over.
Explain treatments, tests, and equipment to patients and document education provided to patients and caregivers.
Conduct physician-prescribed respiratory treatments, including handheld nebulizer therapy, oxygen and humidity delivery, medicinal vapors and gases, and chest physical therapy.
Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators; participate in ventilator weaning according to protocols and physician direction; and adjust ventilator settings to meet patient needs.
Maintain ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate as necessary.
Document treatments, patient responses, and other pertinent information in respiratory care records and patient charts; place MARs in the chart in proper order.
Perform tracheostomy care and change tracheostomy tubes as needed and according to hospital policy, documenting changes.
Change tubing, inline suction devices, and suction canisters according to hospital policy.
Report planned treatments and patient conditions to relief personnel, communicate changes and new orders, and keep the patient’s primary care nurse informed.
Clean, sterilize, package, and prepare respiratory equipment, including ENT/bronchoscope equipment, for transport; verify Cidex OPA functionality, including a test strip within the prior 24 hours.
Perform preventative maintenance and equipment repairs, including EST and SST pre-use ventilator checks, and document work in the cleaning log.
Make regular rounds; check ventilators at least every four hours and oxygen equipment at least once per shift; fill room humidifiers, change suction canisters daily, and spot-check other respiratory equipment.
Perform and evaluate arterial and venous blood gas analyses and demonstrate competency with blood gas devices; complete annual continuing education related to laboratory practices.
Assist with preparing respiratory care and ventilator patients for physical therapy, ambulation, transport, and other activities.
Store oxygen tanks according to OSHA and hospital guidelines.
Attend monthly Respiratory Care department meetings, general staff meetings, and in-services.
Follow the Hospital Compliance Plan and report suspected violations to the Compliance Officer.
Maintain professional conduct and comply with hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and attendance requirements.
Follow bloodborne pathogen prevention measures and participate in the Hazardous Material Program, including precautions regarding blood, body fluids, communicable diseases, sharps, chemicals, and gases.
Comply with established safety and patient safety practices.
Recognize patient abuse concerns and follow policy for appropriate referrals or interventions.
Participate in Performance Improvement activities.
Limit access to protected health information to what is reasonably necessary for work and share it only on a need-to-know basis.
Perform other incidental and related duties as required or assigned.