Respiratory Therapist - Weeknights

About Shepherd Center
With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world‑class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi‑trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems.

Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on‑site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.
Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co‑workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.

• Evaluates and assesses patient needs for respiratory therapy and performs complex respiratory therapy procedures to ensure successful outcomes of the patient care plan.
• Interacts with patients daily, actively participating in their recovery plan.
• Work in collaboration with other respiratory therapist, RN’s, physicians, and other team members to collect data for the patient care plan.
• Performs all respiratory treatment modalities, ventilator management, pulmonary mechanics, arterial blood gas procurement and analysis.
• Sets‑up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, gas administration, aerosol generators, inhalants and other respiratory therapy devices.
• Utilize clinical skills including bronchoscopy, mechanical ventilation, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary hygiene, and artificial airway maintenance.
• Clean and disinfect non‑disposable respiratory equipment, as well as stocking equipment in all units.
• Perform and analyze ABG, EKG, and Capnography according to policy and procedure, and recommend changes in treatment as appropriate.
• Performs DPS pacing sessions according to policy and procedure, and properly monitor patient before, during and after pacing sessions.
• Collaborates and supports the plan of care as established by the interdisciplinary team and prescribes interventions to attain the expected outcomes.
• Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of the outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Actively educates patients and family members in disease process, treatment modalities, medications, etc. on an ongoing basis and as assigned.
• Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given. Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.
• Performs consistently with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
• Actively participates in center‑wide efforts that affect respiratory practice.
• Adheres to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).
• Establishes relationships with other respiratory therapists.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.
• Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.

• Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Certified Respiratory Technician (CRT).
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

• BLS required.
• ACLS certification required six (6) months of start date.
• Active Georgia Respiratory Care Licensure.