Respiratory Therapist MHO

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST I MHO

Beacon Health System

• MISSION:
  We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES:
  Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS:
  Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Responsible for the proper and safe administration of respiratory care including intermittent and continuous therapy, blood gas sampling and analysis, mechanical ventilation, airway management and non‑invasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring of neonatal, newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric populations.

Ensures proper administration of a variety of respiratory treatments by:

• Adhering to the physician's orders and use of established Respiratory Care Protocols.
• Effectively completing and analyzing diagnostic tests and results.
• Determining the most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed and modifications necessary to provide respiratory care to patients.
• Establishing priorities for patient care/job activities based on acuity of need.
• Explaining treatment and breathing procedures to patients to allay fears and anxieties and to elicit cooperation during therapy.
• Setting up, attaching to patient, operating and monitoring various types of respiratory equipment such as long‑term ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP, and oxygen devices.
• Documenting patient treatment activities and results.
• Maintaining Respiratory Therapy equipment; assembly, testing, cleaning and sterilizing.

• Utilizing established Respiratory Protocols.
• Intubating patients as directed by physicians.
• Performing arterial puncture and correctly operating blood gas equipment.
• Participating in the overall evaluation and care of patients through discussions with physicians and other patient care staff.

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy or equivalent education. Requires current registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (or eligible). A current and valid Indiana License as a Respiratory Care Practitioner is also required. Requires being a Registered Respiratory Therapist through the national Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or if new graduate will be given 1 year from their date of hire to obtain the RRT credential.

Those who do not obtain the RRT credential within the assigned time frame will not be eligible to remain in their Respiratory Therapy position. Experience with different modalities or ability to be skills validated during orientation to perform pulmonary function tests independently, ability to assist and run equipment for surgical bronchoscopies independently and/or provide respiratory care independently during a NICU/PICU ambulance transport is required to move to a Level II.

A minimum of two years of critical care experience is required to move to the Level III position, all new hires will start as a Respiratory Therapist Level I and will have their skill level assessed during their orientation at the beginning of their employment. Based on skills validation, applicant may be promoted to Level II or III based on knowledge, skills and manager and/or physician approval.

At that time, the appropriate pay adjustment will be made.

• Requires knowledge of application and effects of respiratory therapy techniques and procedures.
• Requires interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication with patients, families, and team members.
• Requires analytical skills to determine appropriate methods of therapy based upon observation of the patient and diagnostic reports.

• Works in a patient care environment with potential exposure to communicable disease and radiation or from use of chemical solutions for disinfection.

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to work under high levels of stress.

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established time frames.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established time frames.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency…