RT Respiratory Therapist Full-Time Nights

Vibra Travels•Abilene, TX

13d

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 or illness. The role provides respiratory care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 and over, while respecting each patient's rights, dignity, and individuality. The therapist administers prescribed respiratory treatments, operates and monitors ventilators, participates in ventilator weaning, performs tracheostomy care, and supports cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including intubation as necessary. The role also includes documenting treatments and patient responses, educating patients and caregivers, maintaining and processing equipment, conducting diagnostic studies such as blood gas analysis, and coordinating with nursing and relief personnel. The position requires adherence to hospital policies and procedures, safety and compliance programs, patient privacy requirements, attendance expectations, and participation in departmental meetings, in-services, and performance improvement activities. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

State license 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 throughout employment.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate respiratory care equipment for diagnosis and treatment as requested by a physician.
Provide respiratory care to adult and geriatric patients aged 18 and over, respecting patient rights, dignity, and individuality.
Explain treatments, tests, and equipment to patients and document education provided to patients and caregivers.
Conduct prescribed respiratory treatments, including hand-held nebulizer therapy, oxygen administration, humidity, 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 respiratory demand.
Maintain ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate when necessary.
Document treatments and patient responses in respiratory care records and the patient chart, and place MARs in the proper order.
Perform tracheostomy care and change tracheostomy tubes as necessary according to hospital policy, documenting changes in respiratory progress notes.
Replace tubing, inline suction devices, and suction canisters according to hospital policy and procedure.
Report treatments, patient conditions, changes, and new orders to relief personnel and keep the patient's primary care nurse informed.
Clean, sterilize, package, and prepare respiratory therapy equipment, including ENT/bronchoscope equipment, for transport and ensure Cidex OPA functionality is checked with a test strip within the previous 24 hours.
Perform preventative maintenance and equipment repairs, including ventilator EST and SST pre-use checks, and document checks in the cleaning log.
Make regular rounds; check patient 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 according to policy.
Perform and evaluate arterial and venous blood gas analyses, demonstrate competency with blood gas devices, and complete annual continuing education related to laboratory practices.
Assist respiratory care and ventilator patients with preparation for physical therapy, ambulation, and transport; 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 policy.
Comply with blood-borne pathogen prevention measures, hazardous materials requirements, and safety and patient safety practices.
Recognize responsibilities related to patient abuse and follow policy for 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.