Respiratory Therapy

Sevita•Littleton, CO

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapy role plans, implements, and evaluates respiratory care at the Children’s Recovery Center and provides direct patient care services. The therapist manages patients receiving continuous mechanical ventilation, including airway care, ventilator setup and adjustment, monitoring, and weaning according to established procedures. The role also assesses respiratory care orders, develops care plans, documents therapeutic and diagnostic activities, and communicates with physicians and other healthcare team members. The therapist participates in patient rounds, supports and educates patients and families, contributes to clinical meetings and training, and helps develop respiratory care techniques and procedures. The role includes responding to cardiopulmonary emergencies, performing CPR and airway care as needed, identifying safety and documentation issues, conducting peer review, providing input on staffing and equipment needs, and maintaining respiratory equipment and professional competency.

Requirements

Graduation from an approved Respiratory Therapy program.
Credentialing and registration as required by the state.
Ability to apply pediatric respiratory principles in the clinical setting.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with the ability to problem solve.
BLS certification.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care Technology preferred.
One to two years of recent acute care, LTACH, or hospital respiratory therapy experience preferred.
Critical care and ventilator management experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory care at the Children’s Recovery Center.
Provide direct patient care respiratory services as assigned.
Set up, adjust, and manage continuous mechanical ventilation, including airway patency, suctioning, tracheostomy tube stabilization, cuff-pressure monitoring, and ensuring appropriate ventilator settings and oxygen concentration.
Wean patients from continuous ventilation when indicated, following established procedures.
Document therapeutic and diagnostic activities and results in patients’ medical records.
Assess the appropriateness of ordered respiratory care and discuss variances with the primary physician when necessary.
Develop respiratory care plans based on patient assessments and monitor care quality.
Communicate effectively with physicians and other healthcare team members, including changes to respiratory care plans.
Participate in patient rounds and serve as a respiratory care resource to other healthcare team members.
Explain treatment procedures to patients and family members and provide education about the pulmonary system.
Participate in meetings, conferences, clinical in-service education, and training related to respiratory care policies and procedures.
Propose and help implement respiratory care techniques, methods, and treatment modalities; assist with developing clinical procedures.
Perform emergency and acute respiratory care procedures, respond to cardiopulmonary arrests, and provide CPR and airway care as needed.
Identify needs for improved documentation forms and areas of concern regarding department, staff, and patient safety.
Perform peer reviews of other therapists within the area of responsibility.
Provide the supervisor with input regarding staffing, equipment, and supply needs.
Assemble, check, troubleshoot, and perform quality controls on respiratory care equipment.
Maintain clinical and professional competency according to established standards of practice.