Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

Overview

A prominent organization in the healthcare sector is seeking a qualified professional to join its team. This organization specializes in various therapeutic services, including physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies. It provides care to older adults in skilled nursing centers, assisted and independent living facilities, and in home-based settings, as well as essential therapy for children. The organization has been operating for over 38 years, delivering personalized care where and when it is needed most. Joining this team offers an opportunity to contribute to rehabilitation and wellness efforts and to make a meaningful difference.

Benefits for team members include:
Medical, dental, and vision plans for Full time and part-time staff.
A clinical mentorship program designed to support new graduates and clinical fellows from the start.
Access to free continuing education units through an external platform.
Support for visa sponsorships and relocation assistance, including a travel program for working in various locations across the U.S.
Exclusive discounts on various services such as wireless/TV, home/auto/renters and pet insurance, childcare, and eldercare.
An employee recognition program and a professional development program for clinicians.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision and medical direction, the role involves performing respiratory care procedures. This requires significant judgment in accordance with physician-prescribed treatment plans and within the scope of departmental policies. The practice encompasses patient and family assessment and management, resource management, care facilitation, and discharge planning as necessary.

Key responsibilities include:
Assessing residents' conditions, administering prescribed therapy and aerosolized medications, and monitoring and documenting progress and responses to therapy, including any adverse reactions.
Providing in-service training to residents, family members, and facility staff. The primary resident population consists of adults and geriatrics.
Applying knowledge of growth and development principles appropriate to the resident's age to ensure care meets their unique physical and psychological needs.
Involving appropriate parties (eg, resident's family or facility staff) in the assessment, treatment, and continuing care of the resident as needed.
Initiating, monitoring, and maintaining life support systems for residents in skilled nursing facilities.
Performing airway care and maintenance.
Managing artificial ventilator status as directed by approved protocols.
Maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical ventilators.
Participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures, including bag ventilation and closed chest massage.
Initiating, monitoring, and documenting the performance of various respiratory care modalities.
Assessing residents' cardiopulmonary status using physical assessment, history taking, laboratory findings, radiological studies, pulmonary function testing, and professional judgment to formulate a respiratory care plan upon physician order.
Performing various tasks prior to treating a resident, such as checking physician's orders for completeness (diagnosis, ICD-10 code, therapy type and duration, medication type and dosage, FiO2, and frequency).
Reviewing resident charts for history, physical, and pertinent information to determine precautions to be observed at the bedside.
Observing and charting: pulse, respiration, breath sounds (number and quality), and general appearance, including breathing exercises and teaching.
Notifying supervisors of all new starts and discontinued residents.
Administering proper technical respiratory care procedures, dispensing appropriate medication dosages, and adjusting devices to ensure optimal therapy results. This includes using masks, mouthpieces, or tracheostomy equipment for resident comfort and ease of operation, and regulating flow and pressure of equipment.
Observing resident's respiratory rate and pattern, pulse, breath sounds, and reaction to medication, and any difficulty with therapy during and after treatment.
Charting and communicating pertinent information to the resident's nurse and maintaining thorough and accurate charting techniques.
Inspecting and testing equipment, disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling equipment as required.
Maintaining an adequate supply of necessary equipment, performing administrative duties and record keeping, and disposing of equipment properly.
Assisting in emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation as an integral part of the emergency team. Current CPR certification is required.
Initiating, administering, evaluating response to, and documenting all therapy modalities according to departmental procedures and physician orders, including: intermittent positive pressure breathing, handheld nebulizer, chest physical therapy modalities (percussion, vibration, breathing and cough retraining exercises), deep tracheal suctioning, incentive spirometry, and sputum induction.
Recognizing adverse reactions to therapy modalities and taking corrective action.
Documenting all resident care services rendered as part of a medical record.
Accepting and transcribing verbal orders related to respiratory care procedures.
Setting up, maintaining, and recording log entries on all types of oxygen and respiratory supplies and equipment as required.
Instructing residents and family members in the rationale and methodology of each respiratory procedure to facilitate cooperation, understanding, and treatment efficiency, working towards set goals for maximum rehabilitation potential.
Attending internal and external educational programs and reviewing appropriate professional journals to maintain and enhance technical skills and clinical competencies.
Participating in interdisciplinary resident rounds and conferences to plan and evaluate effective resident care.
Participating in quality assurance program data collection as assigned.
Responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of rehabilitation services, adherence to established care plans, departmental and patient schedules, and timely documentation of services.
Participating in general equipment troubleshooting and specific tasks to optimize the accuracy of diagnostic equipment, including quality control methods, preventive maintenance, and calibration.
Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
A high level of knowledge in respiratory therapy and practice, required through completion of an NBRC approved and accredited program.
One year of clinical practice experience under medical direction.
Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification.
Current State Licensure for a Respiratory Care Practitioner.

Compensation

The hourly compensation for this role is expected to range from $36.00 to $45.00 USD . A bonus of $7,500.00 USD is also offered.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):
your email address gmail/yahoo etc.
High level of knowledge in respiratory therapy and practice obtained through completion of an NBRC approved and accredited program

Experience:
Respiratory Therapist: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:
BLS Certification (Required)
RCP License (Required)

Location:
Norfolk, VA (Required)

Work Location: On the road