About this role
About the Role The Respiratory Care Practitioner I provides respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation at Southside Medical Center. This role performs procedures such as oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, and diagnostic services, while educating patients and staff and monitoring responses to therapy. What You'll Do
- May serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
- Assess patient's physical status by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior, and reviewing existing data in the patient record.
- Perform treatments according to physician orders; explain therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modify treatment procedures based on patient response.
- Determine appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommend methods to the physician to achieve therapeutic goals (IPPB, aerosol therapy, postural drainage and percussion, ultrasonic nebulizer, incentive spirometry, MDIs and spacers, etc.).
- Set up and maintain different modes of oxygen therapy to maintain adequate PaO2 with accurate inspired levels of oxygen.
- Administer IPPB or Aerosol Therapy by preparing the prescribed medication and adjusting the device to meet the patient’s individual clinical needs; document and observe vital signs, productivity of cough, relief of dyspnea, improved breath sounds and any adverse reactions to therapy; use judgement to determine possible adverse reactions and suggestions for appropriateness of therapy.
- Provide postural drainage, vibration, percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions; check orders and X-rays for segments to be treated; auscultate prior to and after to note clearance of secretions and response to therapy.
- Instruct patients and families in incentive spirometer, MDI administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care and home aerosol therapy.
- May assist doctor with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy; assist with tracheostomy endotracheal tube changes; ensure proper humidification.
- Procure sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance through coaching, administration of mucolytics, aerosol therapy or suctioning.
- Evaluate normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory value ranges.
- Perform arterial punctures and analysis; possess knowledge of ABG interpretation. May perform arterial line procedures and ABG aspirations.
- May perform EKGs; understand electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
- Maintain all Respiratory Therapy equipment and supplies.
- Respond to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and participate as indicated by clinical circumstances. What We're Looking For
- Education: Bachelor's Degree, related to Respiratory Therapy/Healthcare/Healthcare Admin/Business Admin (preferred)
- Licensing & Certifications: Current Respiratory Care License (required); NBRC credentialed (required); Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred); BLS (required); ACLS (preferred); PALS (preferred); Valid Driver's License (required for Home Care/DME)
- Experience: Previous working experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting (preferred); 6 months Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area (preferred)
- Skills & Abilities: Strong interpersonal skills; good communication; ability to work with diverse people; good customer service; strong organizational and time management; good oral and written communication; able to receive feedback; able to gather and interpret data; accountability; knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment; familiarity with CPAP/BiPAP, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, and diagnostic testing; understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias. Nice to Have
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred
- ACLS/PALS certifications preferred
- Home care/DME experience
- Driver's license