Respiratory Therapist (RRT) PRN Tier 2

Job Requirements

Unit Description

Restorative Care provides a wide range of services, from general and bedside therapy to critical care management for adult patients, particularly those with complex medical conditions and multiple co-morbidities. A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach is essential for effective care planning, guided by best practice protocols and the clinical guidelines of the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC).

Our trained Respiratory Care staff promptly responds to Medical Emergency Codes and excels in airway management, including emergency intubation. We offer advanced ventilator support options, including state-of-the-art mechanical ventilators and CPAP/BiPAP, and have a successful ventilator weaning protocol that exceeds national benchmarks with a 55% success rate.

Ongoing education and annual competency validation are crucial for our Respiratory Care personnel, who also provide limited endoscopic services like bronchoscopies. Our Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) unit has a capacity for 35 patients, licensed for up to 97, with a staffing model of three therapists on days and two on nights, maintaining a therapist-to-patient ratio of 1:8 based on patient census.

Position Summary

The PRN Registered Respiratory Therapist under the guidance of the Department Director/Manager, and Medical Director utilizes knowledge and skill at the advanced level to provide direct age specific and culturally appropriate patient care through provision of adequate ventilation and oxygenation by use of medical gases and breathing equipment. Administers respiratory medications and performs invasive procedures, such as arterial blood sampling punctures, endotracheal intubation/extubation, tracheostomy care and other procedures as outlined on the competency grid form.  Assists as a clinical resource and participates in patient and staff education.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Associate Degree graduate of specialized training in an approved Respiratory Therapy 2 year program or meets minimum requirements to qualify to take and pass the NBRC RRT examinations

Experience

• Successful completion of new hire orientation within probationary period.
• Must successfully complete annual Respiratory Care Hospital required competency assessment within the probationary period. 

License/Registration/Certifications

• Must be Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care with RRT credential
• Must have current South Carolina Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) License
• Must have and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification as a minimum
• Adult critical care requires ACLS and PALS if applicable
• NICU/Pediatrics area requires NRP and PALS certifications; STABLE certification is preferred if applicable

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education

• Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy or a Bachelors in Respiratory Therapy

Preferred Experience

• Prefer 1-2 years of experience in the specialty area (Ex. Adult critical care, Neonatal/Pediatrics area)
• Specialized training and 1-year experience in Pulmonary Functions and cardiac testing if applicable

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications

• Current certification in BLS and ACLS; PALS for EC assigned staff in adult care
• Current certification in BLS, PALS and NRP for Neonatal/Pediatric specialty areas
• All areas require SC Respiratory Care Practitioner License; NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential

Core Job Responsibilities

• Performs and documents detailed age specific respiratory assessment including heart rate, breath sounds, respiratory rate and sputum characteristics, and notifies the physician as appropriate any identified abnormalities.
• Checks EMR to verify physician orders for new/current and/or changes in orders on all assigned patients by reviewing medication list throughout the shift.
• Recommends therapy modifications to ensure appropriateness of care using medical director approved oxygen and aerosol protocols.
• Initiates mechanical invasive and non-invasive ventilation per physician order; performs ventilator bundles on all ventilated patients.
• Employee performs arterial sampling draws and moderate complexity lab testing to include blood gases, Hemoglobin, and basic electrolytes per policy and procedure. Also responsible for verifying panic values by policy.
• Responds to all assigned code 3's/code traumas, establishes and maintains the airway.
• Assists the physician with bronchoscopy procedure as requested.
• Ensures that appropriate critical path/standard of care/plan of care is identified and collaboratively implemented.
• Other Duties as Assigned