Registered Respiratory Therapist Applicant - Lourdes Main Campus

The Respiratory Therapy Applicant participates in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Responsible for the management of Life Support systems and responding to medical emergencies within the hospital. The Respiratory Therapy Applicant may perform all tasks included in their license practice act within department guidelines and policies. The position relies on education and entry-level training to complete responsibilities. The Respiratory Therapy Applicant must function with some supervision, relying on their education and the guidance of the physician and supervisory staff.

Compliance/Quality 

• Observe and adhere to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, and follow all safety, quality assurance, and infection control standards. 
• Efficiently records pertinent patient care data utilizing the computerized medical record or manual documentation in order to promote timely and efficient access to required information throughout the organization.
• Preserves the confidentiality of data and information identified as sensitive for the protection of patient dignity and privacy. 

Patient Care Delivery

• Consult with physicians concerning respiratory care procedures, initiate bronchodilator therapy in situations of respiratory distress, attend Code Blue and MET calls, and transport patients requiring respiratory assistance.
• Checks patient oxygen equipment, spot-checks respiratory care equipment, and nebulizers, while ensuring proper equipment operation and the provision of high-quality health care services.
• Prepares, initiates, and monitors patient respiratory ventilator system, and ensures adequate ventilation levels during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and Routine mechanical ventilation in an effort to ensure continuity and quality in the provision of patient care services.

Collaboration/Partnerships 

• Administers and assesses respiratory therapy procedures (e.g., handheld nebulizers, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, nasotracheal and tracheal suctioning), assesses therapy effectiveness, and prepares equipment and medications following the physician's orders in a professional and considerate manner. 
• Act as a professional- Assesses patient condition and compliance recommending appropriate therapy and having the ability to interact with my peers, nursing, and medical staff in a professional manner. 
• Ensuring the best patient outcomes while maintaining a positive work atmosphere. 

Professional Development 

• Draws from in-dwelling lines and obtains, analyzes, and interprets arterial samples in accordance with departmental policy and hospital standards. 
• Assists in the education of respiratory employees on proper arterial puncture procedures in an effort to ensure that high-quality respiratory procedures are conducted
• Work to improve and further the profession by serving on departmental/hospital committees, completing community service projects or by maintaining membership in professional organizations that reflect positively on the respiratory therapy profession or this organization.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Experience, Education, Training, Special Skills, and Licensure:

• Associate’s degree 
• Graduate of CoARC-approved program. Scheduled to take the National Board exam(s) administered by NBRC. 
• Current Louisiana State License or permit issued by LSBME.
• Current BLS and ACLS; PALS within 6 months of hire 
• Must obtain registered respiratory credential issued by NBRC within 180 days of hire