RESPIRATORY THERPAIST, CRT or RRT - CASUAL

Independence Health System•Butler, PA

52d

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapists (RRT or CRT) provides all modes of respiratory care and diagnostics, on physician order, within the Critical Care, General Care Medical/Surgical units, and specialty departments as required. Acts on a broad knowledge base and experience in working with physicians and other health-care providers. This is accomplished without direct supervision in most cases. The Registered Therapist may act as a resource person for other members of the department. Shift: rotating, days/evenings/nights/weekends/holidays - 8 hrs per week or 16 hrs per pay period - Including 1 weekend or off-shift shift per month.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program
Graduate of JRCRTE/CoARC accredited respiratory care program with minimum of three (3) to six (6) months of clinical rotations.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Medical Terminology
Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
Strong time management; ability to work independently and in a team setting; creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics; ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings; flexibility in scheduling.
Ability to communicate with all members of the health care team.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
Current licensure to practice in the State of Pennsylvania
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
Act 33 with renewal
Act 34 with renewal
Act 73 FBI Clearance

Nice To Haves

Critical Care Experience
ACLS
Experience in Pulmonary Function testing, bronchoscopies, blood gas analysis, and neonatal mechanical ventilation.
Neonatal resuscitation course.
PALS
For a long-term care facility, one (1) -two (2) years prior experience in a long-term care facility.

Responsibilities

Provides highly technical Respiratory Care procedures in any environment following unit specific orientation
Initiates and maintains ventilator management for patient on life support except at Westmoreland Manor.
Performs arterial puncture and blood gas analysis.
Provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation for all age groups served.
Maintains and monitors the function of all Respiratory Care equipment in use.
Acts as a resource to other health care providers, regarding clinical issues.
Assesses patients for require respiratory care services. Reassesses daily or as often as necessary.
Administers inhaled medications, monitors patient reaction to medication, reports response and/or adverse reaction to nurse and physician.
Provides patient and family or care giver with education related to disease process or dysfunction, therapy ordered, medication, dosage, methods and equipment use and functions.
Participates in interdisciplinary care-planning process as required by various nursing or patient care units, and in discharge planning process as needed.
Assimilates large quantities of data while caring for critically ill patients.
Modifies and directs respiratory care procedures and diagnostics, based on acquired data and patient clinical findings.
Assists with the coordination of patient care relating to cardiopulmonary dysfunction, in co-operation with the physician, nurse, and other health care providers.
Understands department policy and procedure to assure compliance with same.
Avoids deviation from policy and/or procedure preventing the potential for adverse effect either on an employee, patient or visitor.
Reviews departmental policy and procedure on an annual basis and make recommendations for appropriate changes.
Provides clear, concise, organized written and oral communication to management and staff.
Interacts effectively with physicians, patients, management and co-workers.
Documents in a neat, timely and legible fashion as appropriate.
Documents in EMR per department guidelines.
Serves as a liaison and positive role model to other departments.
Communicates directly with physician regarding patient respiratory status, recommendations for therapy, and diagnostic testing.
Takes and transcribes verbal and telephone orders from physicians.
Maintain supply and inventory in assigned areas.
Notifies appropriate personnel of stock depletion as it occurs.
Keeps department and other areas of responsibility clean and orderly.
Other duties as assigned.
Transcribes and carries out orders correctly.
Utilizes all applicable information systems appropriately.
Charges equipment, supplies and services accurately.
Demonstrates ongoing awareness and participation in quality improvement program.
Responds with improved performance to results obtained from QA monitors.
Identifies problems and reports to manager when appropriate.
Locates and uses reference manuals
Maintains a working knowledge of department and system policy and procedure.
Locates and uses department and system protocols, procedures, and policy manuals such as infection control, MSDS, OSHA, and on line policy manuals.
Performs therapeutic and diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures.
Completes blood gas and electrolyte analysis.
Performs all required diagnostic pulmonary function testing.
Completes pulmonary stress and metabolic testing.
Functions as a member of the Rapid Response team.
Participates as an integral member of emergency resuscitation teams serving all age groups.
Performs EKG's.
Performs Intravenous Catheter Insertion and Phlebotomy on Patients.