Respiratory Therapist

The University of Kansas Health System; Liberty (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Health System in Liberty is seeking a Certified Respiratory Therapist for night shifts. The role entails assessing patients from neonate to geriatric and delivering diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care under physician orders.

Responsibilities include equipment selection, patient education, ventilator management, and collaboration with nursing staff to ensure safe, effective therapy. Requires CRT licensure and BLS/ACLS/PALS within specified timelines.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited Respiratory Therapy Education Program.
• Preferred Education and Experience Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy
• 1+ years working as CRT in a hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial and follow-up assessments pertaining to respiratory care.
• Evaluate patient response to prescribed therapy and communicate with medical staff.
• Titrate ventilator settings and provide non-invasive ventilation as appropriate.
• Educate patients and family about respiratory conditions and treatments.
• Assist with airway management and care of artificial airways.

Skills

CRT

Ventilation

ECG

Critical thinking

Education

Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

Associates degree in Respiratory Therapy (preferred)

Job description

Position Title

Respiratory Therapist Nights - Full Time Liberty Hospital

Position Summary / Career Interest

The Certified Respiratory Therapist performs respiratory care interventions in accordance with the standards established by the American Association of Respiratory Care Clinical Practice Guidelines and OMC Respiratory Care Policy. Under the supervision of the Director/Supervisor and upon a physician's order, the Certified Respiratory Therapist assesses the cardiopulmonary status of patients of all ages (neonate through geriatric) and provides various types of respiratory diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, based on individual patient needs. An integral function of this position is providing patient education to enhance wellness.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Consistently meets work schedule.
• Performs initial and follow-up assessments pertaining to respiratory care with skill.
• Physician(s) agrees with assessment and recommended plan of care and/or recommended change(s) in plan of care.
• Evaluate patient's response to prescribed therapy in an on-going manner and communicates information, as needed to medical staff.
• Demonstrates expertise in selecting and/or adapting equipment that is appropriate for patient's age - neonate to geriatric.
• Consistently incorporates patient education regarding common lung diseases, prescribed medications and plan of care into routine patient care and treatment.
• Makes every effort to optimize communication between self and patient (and/or family and visitors).
• Takes time to explain interventions in an empathetic, caring manner that is specific to patient's level of cognition.
• Demonstrates proficiency in care and management of patients receiving mechanical ventilation by consistently choosing appropriate settings, relevant to the patient's condition at any given time.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of non-invasive ventilation (Respironics Vision, Respironics V60 and Respironics BIPAP ST units), tailoring therapy to best meet individual patient needs.
• Independently titrates interventions with expertise to achieve optimal patient outcome.
• Aggressively seeks to avoid intubations by recommending use of noninvasive ventilatory support to physician when appropriate.
• Demonstrates proficiency in establishing, maintaining and caring for patients with artificial airways.
• Independently and pro actively secures artificial airways and adjusts cuff pressures to assure patient safety and avoid tissue breakdown.
• Communicates and works cooperatively with the nursing staff to assure optimal tracheostomy care and patient education is provided.
• Works cooperatively with members of the KCC staff to assume responsibilities for ECGs when assigned.
• Demonstrates respect for the patient's privacy and modesty when performing an ECG.
• Makes every effort to consistently obtain high quality ECG tracings (may require reapplication of electrodes, calm and respectful coaching of the patient to remain still during testing).
• Assumes responsibility for communicating serious ECG abnormalities to the patient's nurse and/or physician without delay.
• Demonstrates proficiency in administration of physician-prescribed aerosol medication therapy, oxygen therapy, appropriate airway humidity therapy and all airway clearance techniques.
• Communicates in a professional manner with the physician when recommending modifications in the respiratory care plan, based on the patient's response.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills by selecting the most efficacious supplies and equipment, appropriate to each individual patient care situation.
• Physicians routine agree with patient assessment results and drug delivery choices selected and implemented from the ECC Bronchodilator Protocol.
• Consistently follows departmental policy and procedure regarding all phases of the blood gas analysis process: pre-analytical, puncture/specimen collection, analytical phase and post-analytical/results reporting phase.
• Demonstrates expertise, skill and concern for patient comfort and safety throughout the blood gas analysis process.

Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit

Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Graduate from an accredited Respiratory Therapy Education Program
• Preferred Education and Experience Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy
• 1 or more years working as a CRT in a hospital setting

Required Licensure and Certification

• Certified Respiratory Therapist(CRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) upon Hire
• CPR/ AED/ BLS - Other BLS upon Hire
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT) - State Board of Healing Arts upon Hire
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) within 120 Days
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support - American Heart Association (AHA) within 120 Days
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) within 120 Days

Time Type

Full time

Job Requisition ID

R-57099

Important information for you to know as you apply

The health system is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected status. See also Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

The health system provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Employment with the health system is contingent upon, among other things, agreeing to the health-system-dispute-resolution-program.pdf and signing the agreement to the DRP.

About The University of Kansas Health System

As part of the region's premier academic medical center, The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City is a world-class healthcare provider and destination for complex care and diagnosis. We are driven by our commitment to service, continuous improvement and to the highest degree of excellence. Collaboration between physicians, nurses, researchers, educators and other professionals who share their expertise leads to exciting discoveries and life-changing treatments for the people we serve.