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Respiratory Nurse - RN
Full Time Griffin, GA, US
7 days ago Requisition ID: 1172
General Purpose
The Respiratory Nurse, Registered Nurse (RN), is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with physician orders, facility policies, and accepted standards of nursing practice. This role includes administering respiratory therapies, monitoring respiratory status, performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within the scope of practice, and assisting in the treatment and management of pulmonary and cardiopulmonary disorders. The Respiratory Nurse collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, provides education to residents and families, and ensures compliance with regulatory, infection control, and safety standards.
Responsibilities
Clinical Respiratory Care
- Administer respiratory therapy treatments and nebulized medications, understanding the purpose, expected outcomes, and potential side effects of each treatment.
- Maintain knowledge of oxygen delivery methods and respiratory equipment while monitoring residents for adverse effects and changes in condition.
- Set up, operate, monitor, and assist with mechanical ventilators and related respiratory support equipment in accordance with facility policies and physician orders.
- Conduct pulmonary function testing and assist with review, reporting, and communication of results to physicians and clinical leadership.
- Perform incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, Flutter therapy, therapeutic respiratory exercises, and use specialized respiratory devices as indicated.
- Assess residents' tolerance to treatments and reassess responses, reporting changes and modifying care in accordance with physician orders and facility guidelines.
- Provide respiratory care services to residents with diverse medical conditions and varying levels of respiratory support needs.
Documentation & Communication
- Accurately document respiratory assessments, interventions, treatments, resident responses, and clinical observations in the medical record.
- Maintain departmental forms, respiratory treatment records, flow sheets, logs, and related documentation in accordance with facility policies.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate resident and family education plans related to respiratory conditions, treatments, and equipment use.
- Communicate significant findings, changes in condition, or treatment concerns promptly to physicians, nursing leadership, and interdisciplinary team members.
Safety & Equipment Management
- Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe and effective operation.
- Follow infection prevention, sterilization, disinfection, and equipment maintenance procedures.
- Monitor compliance with infection control practices, respiratory safety standards, oxygen safety procedures, and emergency preparedness protocols.
- Ensure respiratory supplies and equipment are properly stored, labeled, and readily available.
Education & Professional Development
- Attend in-service education programs and continuing education activities to maintain professional competency.
- Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI), and performance improvement initiatives related to respiratory care.
- Serve as a resource and educator for staff regarding respiratory therapies, equipment operation, and respiratory care best practices.
- Coordinate and direct respiratory-related resident care to ensure clinical needs are met and facility policies are followed.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, care planning conferences, and department meetings.
- Communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, respiratory providers, consultants, and facility staff to promote high-quality resident-centered care.
Qualifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required or obtained within the timeframe established by facility policy.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing in the state of employment required.
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
- Knowledge of respiratory care principles, oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary monitoring, ventilator management, and respiratory equipment operation.
- Experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, respiratory care, pulmonary services, or related healthcare settings preferred.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, clinical assessment, and communication skills.
- Ability to assess complex resident conditions and determine appropriate interventions within the RN scope of practice.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical, financial, and personal information in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
- Ability to remain professional, calm, and effective when responding to emergencies or stressful situations.
- Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and clinical documentation systems preferred.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended shifts based on resident and facility needs.
- Work may be performed in varying environmental conditions, including heated and air-conditioned settings.
- Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced clinical environments.
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, including shifts lasting up to 10 to 12 hours.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and maneuver equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to reach, bend, stoop, handle equipment, communicate effectively, and maintain visual and auditory acuity sufficient to perform assigned duties.
- Ability to respond quickly and effectively during respiratory emergencies and other urgent clinical situations.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
- Direct or indirect exposure to residents with acute and chronic medical conditions, infectious diseases, and communicable illnesses.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection prevention and control protocols is required.
- Work is performed in a healthcare, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, post-acute, or long-term care environment.
- Requires professionalism, confidentiality, adaptability, and collaboration with residents, families, physicians, consultants, staff, and interdisciplinary team members.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.