Lead Respiratory Therapist-Full-Time

Ochsner Health; Chalmette (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health in Louisiana is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to deliver comprehensive care to neonatal through geriatric patients. You will provide respiratory therapy, oxygen services, and ventilation support, while guiding a team of respiratory staff to ensure quality patient outcomes.

The role requires an Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s preferred), state license as a Respiratory Therapist, and current BLS/ACLS certifications.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s preferred
• Current License as Respiratory Therapist in state of practice
• BLS and ACLS certifications as specified (ACLS within 90 days)
• Proficiency with data entry and Windows applications
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Excellent organizational skills
• 2 years experience as technician or therapist in adult, neonatal and pediatric care

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and advanced therapeutic procedures according to established policy and procedure
• Reviews and documents all clinical information regarding each patient
• Educates patients and co-workers on procedures and treatment plans
• Develops all technical policies, procedures, and standards governing the Respiratory Therapy department
• Makes staffing assignments and delegates duties to personnel to ensure continuity of patient care
• Provides clinical support and acts as a resource to Respiratory Therapy staff and personnel
• Steers progressive clinical excellence through staff development
• Adapts communication to the specific patient population, including privacy and informed consent

Job description

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people. For us, this is more than a job– it’s a calling. It’s waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This job provides respiratory care treatment, oxygen services, diagnostic testing and ventilation support services to both in-patients and out-patients ranging in age from neonatal to geriatric. Delivers intermittent therapy and assists with changing of artificial airways. Oversees, guides, and mentors the respiratory staff to ensure the plan of care for the patient population. Actively role models and coaches the behaviors associated with the Leadership, Art, and Science of Respiratory Care. Provides services as ordered by a physician and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Education

Required -Associate’s Degree

Preferred- Bachelor’s Degree

Work Experience

Required -2 years experience as technician or therapist in adult, neonatal and pediatric, and general care areas.

Certifications

Required - Current License as Respiratory Therapist in the state of practice

Certificate by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (Certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist must be obtained within one year of hire)

Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) must be obtained within 90 days of hire

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Strong organizational skills

Job Duties

• Performs routine and advanced therapeutic procedures according to established policy and procedure.
• Reviews and documents all clinical information regarding each patient.
• Educates patients and co-workers on procedures and treatment plans.
• Develops all technical policies, procedures, and standards governing the organization and operations of the Respiratory Therapy department.
• Makes staffing assignments and delegates duties to personnel to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Provides clinical support and acts as a resource to Respiratory Therapy staff and personnel in order to provide optimal care.
• Steers progressive clinical excellence through staff development. Actively participates in the selection, training, development, and evaluation of the healthcare team.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.

Other related duties as required. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

Mechanical lifting devices (carts, dollies, etc.) or team lifts should be utilized.

Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.

Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.