Registered Respiratory Therapist-East-PRN

Job Summary:
The Respiratory Care professional employed is responsible for providing and administering respiratory care in critical care, general floor care, and urgent care as ordered by the physician in a collaborative manner with nursing/staff to maximize patient care. Individual is also responsible for prompt and accurate patient and department related documentation.
The employee must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients presented to each assigned area. Assumes training responsibilities for new hires and peers as delegated by the Clinical Coordinator or Director of Respiratory Care. The individual must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status. Must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's guidelines and procedures.
The employee is required to assist in the growth and development of the department. The employee must take an active role in CQI projects.

Education:
Required:
Associate of Science in Respiratory Care, or graduate of an NBRC and AMA approved Respiratory Program meeting requirement for eligibility of the NBRC Exam.

Preferred:
Bachelor degree in Respiratory Therapy or related field.

Experience:
Required:
One (1) year of clinical experience as a respiratory therapist. Clinical training from an accredited Respiratory Care program is acceptable.

Preferred:
Two-Three (2-3) years of critical care experience as a registered therapist.

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Tennessee licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, ABG endorsed. Current AHA PALS. Current AHA ACLS. Current AHA BLS-Healthcare Provider BLS completed prior to going to the unit/ department and maintained going forward

Preferred:
Current AHA NRP.

Department Position Summary:
The Respiratory Therapist will be responsible for the following:
Proper documentation in medical records using departmental information system
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Must be able to perform patient care in dynamic and changing environments
Must be able to lift, twist, bend and work in small, sometimes hazardous environments
Bronchodilator therapy
Blood Gas sampling and analysis including, but not limited to i-STAT equipment
Oxygen and Mixed Gas therapy
Medication-Aerosol therapy
Non-invasive ventilation
Airway management (Basic and Advanced)
Airway clearance
Liquid and cylinder oxygen transport
Mechanical ventilation
Chest physiotherapy
Humidification of medical gases
Able to maintain currency and competency in regards to patient care in the hospital
Patient and family education
Peer and allied health education
Decontamination of equipment
Pulmonary hygiene
Non-invasive monitoring, to include but not limited to, Pulse Oximetry
Peak-flow measurements
Bedside pulmonary function testing
Fire brigade
Orientation of staff members, as deemed appropriate
Intubation / Extubation
Surfactant replacement therapy
Echocardiograms