Respiratory Therapist (1.0 FTE/Alternating Shifts)

Franciscan Alliance•Crown Point, IN

2d•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 medications and dosages—in accordance with physicians' orders. Franciscan Health is a healthcare organization focused on patient care, health, and wellness. With 11 ministries and access points across Indiana, it is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest. The organization describes its approach as compassionate, comprehensive care for patients and the communities it serves.

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 from neonatal to adult.
Administer high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), and conventional methods to deliver nitric oxide.
Deliver supplemental oxygen therapy and select appropriate delivery devices to ensure adequate 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 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, high-risk deliveries, and patient transport.
Ensure respiratory therapy equipment functions properly and is used appropriately; assist with disassembling, cleaning, disinfecting, reassembling, and storing equipment.
Evaluate patients' responses to therapy and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.