Respiratory Therapist Registered

Company: CHI St. Vincent
Location: Little Rock
Posted on: November 17, 2019

Job Description:

Position Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours per 2 week Pay Period: 72
Primary Location: AR > LITTLE ROCK > ST VINCENT INFIRMARY
JOB SUMMARY: In accordance with our mission and core values and under the supervision of a physician, the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) shall be responsible for assuming primary clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modalities to all age groups for which the individual has demonstrated an acceptable level of competency, and experience. The RRT will be required to exercise considerable independent clinical judgment in the respiratory care of patients. The RRT is responsible for assessment, plan, implementation, and reassessment of patients receiving respiratory care modalities in order to assure appropriate patient care. The RRT is expected to serve as proctor to students and new employees for orientation and general competency assessment. The RRT is expected to be competent in Adult or Neonatal Critical Care and/or Diagnostic areas as well as be willing and ready to function in the role of the leader of the shift when necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Graduate of an accredited Registry School of Respiratory Therapy with minimum of Associates of Science Degree. Bachelor of Science Degree preferred. Successful completion of the NBRC examination for Registered Respiratory Therapist. A new graduate must successfully pass the CRT exam prior to employment as an RRT, then pass both RRT exams within three months of employment to continue employment as an RRT. Possess current Arkansas State License for Respiratory Care Practitioners.

Experience: Minimum required for registry exam.

Physical Requirements: The physical activities involve balancing, climbing, crouching, grasping, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, stooping and use of fingers and repetitive movements. An individual in this position may be required to carry or lift weight of up to 50 lbs. and push/pull 100-150 lbs. The sensory and communicative activities required for the position include feeling, hearing, seeing, smelling and speaking. Individuals in this position could possibly be exposed to inside/outside environmental conditions, most probably blood borne pathogens and body fluids, chemical hazards, respiratory hazards and radiology hazards.

Skills: Completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) and bi-annually thereafter. Successful completion of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 3 months of employment. Completion of Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) for NICU staff before attending deliveries independently. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is required for select staff. Neonatal Pediatric Specialty (NPS) exam preferred for core NICU staff. Must demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to deal effectively with all team members, patients, family members, and physicians. Must possess the ability for calm, critical thinking and prioritization of duties in emergency situations. Must possess effective decision making, assessment and prioritizing skills. Must possess knowledge and skills necessary to care for the infant, child, adolescent, adult and older adult. Must possess knowledge of and skill with computers and various software..

PRIMARY CUSTOMERS: Patients, Physicians, Nurses, Families and all Health System Departments who request services.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Respiratory Care Services Team Leaders, Coordinator, and Director, Medical Director.

AGE GROUPS: ___ Neonate/infant (Birth - 1 mo) ___ Infant (1mo-1yr) ___ Toddler (1yr-3 yrs) ___ Preschool (3 yrs-6yrs) ___ School Age (6 yrs-13yrs) ___ Adolescent (13yrs-18 yrs) __ Adult (18 yrs-64 yrs) __ Older Adult (65+yrs)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. CLINICAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
? Reviews and evaluates existing data in patient?s record. Collects any additional pertinent clinical information through physical
examination and bedside parameters. Formulates an overall care plan for patient based on information and clinical judgment.
? Performs and evaluates peak flows/Spirometry before and after bronchodilators according to policy and orders.
? Completes thorough assessment patients.

? Communicates all critical information to physicians, nurses, and others on inter-disciplinary patient care team.
? Proactive in initiating Ventilator Discontinuation. Follows all policies on documentation, ET tube care, and other Ventilator Bundle guidelines.
? Recognizes the need for and performs emergency and acute respiratory care procedures accurately and safely in a timely manner
with minimal supervisory intervention. This may include intubation in an emergency setting according to individual competency.
? Proactive during the shift, willing to help peers and other clinical staff in providing patient care as needed, moving without
complaint to other areas as workload or expertise dictates.
? Answers phone and takes care of calls when in proximity to the department
? Demonstrates ability to set priorities in the clinical setting and also with own patient load.


2. SCOPE OF PRACTICE

? Ensures delivery of Respiratory Care Services reflecting the efficient and effective use of supplies and appropriate utilization of resources in order to meet the needs of the patients and hospital.
? Administers medications in a timely and safe manner. Evaluates medications? effects and re-evaluates therapy appropriately according to policies and orders. Follows current practices in dispensing and delivery of medications. Maintains working knowledge of all new medications and medication handling standards introduced into the field of Respiratory Care as they apply to our Health System.
? Performs arterial punctures, analyzes and interprets blood gas results, intervening as indicated assuring all results properly documented and entered into the computer.
? Follows all accepted safety practices for identifying patient, labeling, drawing and transporting the blood.
? Identifies patients? need and readiness for education in disease management or smoking cessation. Begins the education process using acceptable materials and instruction. Follows up on patients? needs by documenting educational information on appropriate forms and verbally in report so relieving therapist can continue to assure patients? needs are met.
? Integrates legal and ethical standards into practice by recognizing all implications of care delivery within the scope of licensure.
? Maintains patient and family confidentiality and complies with all regulatory standards.
? Demonstrates correct and safe technique in the use of equipment and supplies according to product information and manuals.
? Maintains a clean, neat and safe environment for patients and staff according to hospital and department policies.


3. INFORMATION PROCESSING AND DOCUMENTATION:

? Consistently and accurately utilizes hospital information system for patient information, orders, charges, and productivity documentation.
? Consistently clocks in and out according to hospital policy. Follows policy on absences, tardies, and no-clocks.
? Arrives on time for report. Updates written reports as needed to provide current information for following shift.
? Consistently completes documentation.
? Keeps an accurate record of patients? status and care dispensed, in accordance with departmental guidelines and requirements.
? Writes clear narratives and enters data into electronic health record.
? Correctly reports missed therapy and Medication Error Reports according to hospital policy to help ensure patient safety.
Stays current in new policies and procedures by reading the information boards and staying current with LEARN assignments.
Attends monthly staff meetings as documented by meeting attendance records and initials minutes of meetings that were missed.

4. SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

? Maintains current professional record according to department and Health System standards, by completing hospital mandatories and department competencies by due dates.
? Actively participates in individual and group educational training activities. Attends conferences and shares knowledge with peers.
? Assists in writing or revising procedures to keep policies current and meaningful for staff use.
? Sets standards for performance in General Pediatric and Adult Care, Critical Care (Adult and/or Neonatal), or Diagnostics.
? Assumes leadership or preceptor role in orientation of new employees and students, particularly in critical care areas or pulmonary lab, demonstrating effective communication skills in all areas of patient care.
? Takes responsibility for helping to staff department during busy times by volunteering for extra shifts or changing schedules.
? Adapts to change in a positive, professional manner by work and deeds in order to meet the demands of the changing Health System environment.
? Assumes full responsibility for maintaining current licensure
? Prepared to assume duties of the Leader of the shift whenever necessary as far as answering calls, tending to emergencies, keeping the shift running as smoothly as possible.
? Supports profession and ensures excellence through membership in the AARC and NBRC. This is optional but preferred.
Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 2019-R0249907
• Schedule: Full-time
• Shift: Night Job
• Market: CHI St. Vincent

Keywords: CHI St. Vincent, North Little Rock , Respiratory Therapist Registered, Other , Little Rock, Arkansas