Registered Respiratory Therapist

Pay Range: $41.63 - $62.03

This position is within the OFNHP bargaining unit. Step placement is determined by years of experience.

Shift differentials under the OFNHP are currently as follows:

Evening: $2.50/hr.
Weekend: $4/hr.
Night: Starts at $10/hr.

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                      Registered Respiratory Therapist

REPORTS TO POSITION:         Manager Respiratory Therapy

DEPARTMENT:                         Respiratory Therapy

DATE LAST REVIEWED:          July 2024

OUR VISION:                            Creating America’s healthiest community, together

OUR MISSION:                         In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:                          Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: At St. Charles Health System, the team of physicians and respiratory therapists use specially developed protocols to determine each patient’s plan of care and adjust the course of action for every individual’s condition. Respiratory therapists treat many different diseases, which include Asthma, Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Emphysema, Neuromuscular and Metabolic Disorders, Pneumonia and Pulmonary Fibrosis. The team also assists people with respiratory complications from heart attacks, trauma, premature birth, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS and more. Respiratory therapists serve patients on an outpatient basis as well as throughout St. Charles Health System's four hospitals, providing coverage 24-hours-a-day.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Registered Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory assessment, support, treatment and diagnostic tests as part of the healthcare team in accordance with the St. Charles Health System’s mission, philosophy, policies, and procedures while applying standards for professional respiratory practice in the clinical setting. The Respiratory Therapist performs duties according to physician's orders, utilizing knowledge and judgment in regard to technique and patient treatment. The Respiratory Therapist will be responsible for adult, geriatric, pediatric and neonatal patient respiratory care as assigned. This position does not directly supervise any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Manages, assesses, plans, and evaluates care for patients with acute and/or chronic cardiopulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities. Performs established respiratory care procedures for patients within department scope of practice.

Ventilator management – Manages all modes of mechanical ventilation, including lung protective strategies, monitoring patient/ventilator interactions and lung mechanics. Manages delivery of aerosolized medications and metered dose inhalers. Manages delivery of exogenous gases (nitric oxide and heliox).

Airway Management – Responsible for management of artificial airways and tracheostomy tubes, tracheostomy tube exchanges and decannulation. Assists with fiber optic bronchoscopy and intubations. Assists with moderate sedation.

Patient monitoring- Monitors arterial blood gases, EtC02, SP02, blood pressure, vital signs, and other monitoring related to hemodynamics.  

Respiratory protocols – Conducts assessment and implementation of protocols for oxygen, bronchopulmonary hygiene, bronchodilator, lung expansion, hypoxic risk protocol.

Oxygen therapy – Conducts assessment and implementation of oxygen therapy to include low and high flow oxygen therapy with various devices.

Performs EKGs as needed at some locations.

Additional job-related duties may include participation in Code Blue, Trauma Team, Rapid Response, Neonatal resuscitation and high-risk newborn deliveries.

Calculates dosages and administers medications accurately in accordance with St. Charles Health System policies and procedures for medication administration.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.

Documents all patient care with proficiency in compliance with hospital policies, procedures and regulatory agencies. 

Identifies work-related problems with possible solutions and implements solution(s) (within scope of practice), when appropriate.

Participates in creating a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual, patient and caregiver.