Respiratory Therapist

Beloit Health System•Beloit, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist at Beloit Health System is responsible for supporting and managing patients requiring respiratory therapy. This includes assessing, planning, evaluating, educating, and delivering quality respiratory therapy in a safe and cost-effective manner. The role involves managing patients on life support equipment, initiating, modifying, and adjusting mechanical respirators, and functioning in at least one specialty area such as Pulmonary Function, Rehab, Discharge Planning, Clinical Instructor, Industrial Screening, Supervision, and/or Bronchoscopy Assist. The therapist is expected to be flexible to work extra hours during peak periods and staff shortages, maintain knowledge of trends, complete annual special projects, and participate in unit meetings and hospital committees. They also function as a member of various emergency response teams and are responsible for arterial blood gas collections, equipment maintenance, and thorough documentation in the EMR. The position requires active participation in patient care decisions with physicians and acting as a resource for medical staff, while strictly adhering to infection control policies and maintaining ethical conduct and confidentiality.

Requirements

Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe working environment
Graduate of an AMA-approved program for Respiratory Therapists
Certified by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Respiratory Therapist (CRT credentials)
RRT credentials obtained within 12 months of hire
Licensed by the State of Wisconsin to practice Respiratory Therapy
Completion of a minimum of 14 continuing education credits annually
Ability to interpret test results and make appropriate therapy recommendations
Must be able to establish priorities and respond in emergency situations
Good listening and communication skills
Employee possesses the training, knowledge, and skills necessary to perform one or more of the following activities (evaluation, treatment, and/or patient care) for patients in one or more of the following age groups: neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric
CPR certification
NRP Certified (New hires must obtain NRP certification within 1 year (12 months) of hire date)
Must adhere to established hospital and Pulmonary Care department policies, rules, and regulations
Maturity and ethics consistent with the practice of respiratory therapy
Maintains ethical conduct and confidentiality regarding personal and medical information on patients

Responsibilities

Supporting and managing patients requiring respiratory therapy
Assessing, planning, evaluating, educating, and delivering quality respiratory therapy in a safe and cost-effective manner
Managing patients on life support equipment
Initiating, modifying, and adjusting mechanical respirators to meet patient needs
Ability to function in at least one specialty area: Pulmonary Function, Rehab, Discharge Planning, Clinical Instructor, Industrial Screening, Supervision, and/or Bronchoscopy Assist
Being flexible to work extra hours during peak periods and staff shortages
Maintaining knowledge of trends and developments in the field
Completing one special project annually
Attending and participating in unit meetings
Functioning as a member of the Medical Emergency Alert, Rapid Response Teams, Stroke Alerts, Red C-Sections, and Trauma Alerts
Performing collection and analysis of arterial blood gas collections
Maintaining and troubleshooting all clinical equipment
Performing routine instrument checks, quality controls, and other preventative maintenance procedures as required
Thoroughly and appropriately documenting patient therapy, testing, and charges in the EMR
Participating on hospital committees as assigned
Maintaining cleanliness of the department and organizing and stocking supplies as needed
Strictly adhering to infection control policies
Participating in at least one Quality Management project per year
Maintaining patient assessment skills
Actively participating in patient care decisions with the physician
Acting as a resource for physician and nursing staff
Working extra during staff shortages or until workload is complete, which may include working shifts other than currently scheduled
Demonstrating ability to perform functions accurately and efficiently with computer software application appropriate to the position
Other duties as assigned