Respiratory Therapist (.9 FTE/Alternating Shifts)

Franciscan Alliance•Michigan City, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist oversees the diagnosis, treatment, and care management of patients with pulmonary disorders. The role uses a variety of testing techniques to assist physicians in diagnosing disorders and determines treatment requirements—including the type, method, and duration of therapy, precautions, and medication and dosages—in accordance with physician orders. The therapist responds to emergency activations and supports airway management; assesses patients and obtains histories; operates respiratory equipment and provides therapies across patient populations ranging from neonatal to adult; and educates patients and caregivers. The role also conducts special procedures, helps maintain respiratory equipment, and evaluates patient responses to therapy to adjust treatment plans as needed.

Requirements

Associate's degree in respiratory care.
High school diploma or GED.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license from the state licensing board.

Responsibilities

Attend code blue and rapid response team activations to perform or assist with airway management.
Perform patient assessments, obtain patient histories, and elicit descriptions of sleep problems to support diagnosis and treatment.
Set up and operate mechanical ventilators using invasive or non-invasive procedures for patients ranging from neonatal to adult.
Administer high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), and nitric oxide using conventional delivery methods.
Deliver supplemental oxygen therapy and select appropriate delivery devices to support patient oxygenation.
Administer prescribed inhaled medications, including SABA, LABA, LAMA, ICS, and antibiotics.
Perform incentive spirometry, PEP, and Flutter therapies to facilitate airway clearance and lung expansion.
Educate patients and caregivers about conditions and disease-management techniques, including breathing exercises and the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
Conduct special procedures, including EKGs, arterial blood gas tests, pulmonary function tests, and surfactant delivery.
Assist physicians during caesarean section births and high-risk deliveries, and assist with patient transport.
Ensure respiratory therapy equipment is functioning properly and is appropriately utilized; assist with disassembling, cleaning, disinfecting, reassembling, and storing equipment.
Evaluate patient responses to therapy and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.