Respiratory Therapist RRT - HK - PRN - Shift Varies

Huntsville Hospital Health System•Sheffield, AL

21h

About The Position

Provides respiratory therapeutic and diagnostic care to patients according to established standards and practices in critical care, general care, and emergency care areas. Performs electrocardiograms and related examinations as directed. Reports to the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services. The therapist assesses patients, develops and implements respiratory plans of care, evaluates patient responses, and collaborates with physicians and other healthcare providers to modify care as needed. The role includes patient and family education, accurate and timely documentation, communication at shift changes, and maintaining patient confidentiality. The therapist performs clinical procedures including blood gas collection and analysis, EKGs, airway management, CPR, ventilator care, screenings, and pulmonary function testing. Additional duties include supporting staff orientation and training, maintaining supplies and equipment, serving as shift charge person as scheduled, and responding appropriately to emergency situations.

Requirements

Current National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification and Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy licensure are required.
Must produce a diploma from the highest level of education attained.
BLS and ACLS certification required before the conclusion of the orientation period.
Must be certified as a Respiratory Therapist by the NBRC within 90 days of hire.
One to two years of clinical experience, which may include experience while attending a respiratory program.
Ability to function in critical care, including mechanical ventilation and patient assessment.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires frequent and rapid prioritization and task changes.
Ability to assess patients, provide therapy, and recommend procedures in EKG, bronchial hygiene, bronchodilator therapy, pulmonary volume expansion, oxygen therapy, and invasive and noninvasive ventilation.

Nice To Haves

PALS certification preferred.
NRP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete timely respiratory assessments, including patient status, presenting problem, medical history, vital signs, lung volumes, and oxygenation.
Classify and update patients correctly.
Formulate respiratory plans of care using indicated protocols, establish priorities, and involve the physician, other healthcare providers, the patient, and family.
Consider age, development, and cultural factors when planning care.
Implement respiratory plans of care in a timely and organized manner.
Demonstrate clinical skills in accordance with professional and organizational standards; communicate and educate patients and families about care plans.
Communicate the plan of care and patient status at shift change to support continuity of care.
Evaluate patient responses and outcomes, and work with physicians to modify plans of care as needed.
Document assessments, therapeutic findings, patient and family education, and responses accurately and promptly; maintain compliance with BMV and EMAR requirements; process and retrieve records and reports as needed.
Communicate courteously and professionally with physicians, healthcare workers, patients, families, and visitors, and maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Correctly identify patients.
Perform blood gas collection, analysis, and reporting; EKGs; airway management; CPR; ventilator care; screenings; pulmonary function tests; and related procedures.
Locate oxygen, air, and vacuum zone valves during a crisis.
Assist with orientation and training of new employees; serve as student proctor and new employee mentor as needed.
Maintain department supplies and assist with care and maintenance of department equipment and facilities.
Coordinate work efficiently, work independently with little or no supervision, and serve as shift charge person as scheduled.
Use available time to assist coworkers, clean and set up equipment, maintain the department, stock supplies, and assist with education and competencies.
Remain flexible with scheduling, work as part of a team, and perform other assigned or requested duties.
Follow applicable rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, and Code of Conduct standards.
Understand and initiate procedures for emergency situations, including Code One, Code Red, Code Yellow and Yellow Alert, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code ABC, Code One Pink, Trauma Alert, and Code Black.