FT Respiratory Therapist RT - Night Shift at LifeCare

General Summary: The Respiratory Therapist performs a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures to improve patients' cardiopulmonary status using appropriate equipment and supplies. The Respiratory Therapist is actively involved in department, transdisciplinary team, and hospital activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patient populations admitted to LifeCare Hospital.

Patient Population: Has contact with patients in a clinical setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in the adult (18-65 yrs of age) and geriatric (65 and older) populations.

Supervision: Not applicable.

Experience: Minimum of six (6) months direct patient care in either an adult critical care, rehabilitation, or acute/LTACH setting.

Education: Graduate of an AMA approved 2 or 4-year Respiratory Therapy program or completion of an AMA approved program equivalency. Fulfillment of RT requirements established by the state and/or licensing agency or authority.

Licensure/Certification: Current Respiratory Therapy license in the state where practicing, current National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), and current BLS certification are required. The ACLS certification is required within six (6) months of the hire date. All Respiratory Therapists must maintain current and active licensure while employed.

Standard Essential Functions

• The knowledge and skills necessary to perform the position requirements are demonstrated through the successful completion of competencies established for the position, including the population served and other special needs of patients or customers served by the department.
• Adheres to LifeCare policies, procedures, all safety plans, and all standards imposed by regulatory organizations.
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required.
  
  

Job-Specific Essential Functions

• Develops and documents a plan for respiratory therapy treatment. Recommends changes and/or alternatives in orders/treatments to the physician to achieve patient compliance and maximum benefits to the treatment program. Communicates changing patient needs to the physician.
• Assesses patients using a variety of diagnostic tests and monitoring devices to evaluate the patients’ cardiopulmonary status. Appropriately documents all assessments, treatments, procedures, test results, and patient responses promptly.
• Provides and documents emergency care, including airway management, intubation, and CPR. Responds to emergencies in the hospital as needed and assists the team calmly and effectively.
• Provides and documents education administered to the transdisciplinary team, patient, and family concerning diagnosis, treatment, and post-discharge care. Provides training and supervision of respiratory techniques for members of the transdisciplinary team and students (if applicable). Works in collaboration with the transdisciplinary team, patient, and family.
• Plans and organizes work to effectively schedule patient treatments while maintaining patient records and charges. Inspects, cleans, tests, maintains, and rotates respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, requesting repairs when necessary. Reports equipment maintenance and/or repair timely.
• Participates in departmental data collection to quality patient care and safety. Participates in Laboratory and/or Point-of-Care quality control, proficiency testing, and performance improvement activities.
  
  

Values

• We COLLABORATE: We develop our treatment plans in collaboration with physicians, clinicians, and patients’ families.
• We ADVOCATE: We advocate on behalf of every patient and family.
• We RESPECT: We recognize and value the dignity, rights, and resources of each patient.
• We EDUCATE: We educate our team members and families with purpose and compassion.
• We SERVE: We serve as a TEAM with integrity at all levels, focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.