RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Saint Helens Post Acute; Saint Helens (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Helens Post Acute is seeking a licensed Respiratory Therapist to perform tasks as a respiratory care practitioner. You will set up and operate ventilators, oxygen devices, nebulizers, and perform pulmonary function studies as prescribed by physicians.

Responsibilities include explaining procedures to residents, maintaining ventilation during CPR, documenting responses in EMR, and ensuring patient safety and compliance with HIPAA, OBRA, and facility policies.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate or Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy.
• Current license to practice in Oregon (NBRC credentialed).
• Current Basic Life Support certification.
• Knowledge of OBRA and Title XXII guidelines for LTC.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.
• Experience with technology-dependent patients preferred.

Responsibilities

• Explain procedures to residents before treatments.
• Apply growth/development knowledge for adult/geriatric residents.
• Perform physician-prescribed ventilation and oxygen therapy.
• Conduct chest physiotherapy and airway clearance.
• Monitor ventilation during CPR and document responses.
• Enter data into EMR and maintain equipment.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and patient safety.

Skills

Licensed RT

Ventilator management

Nebulizer therapy

Pulmonary function tests

EMR documentation

English communication

Education

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Tools

EMR systems

Ventilators

Job description

Position Summary

The licensed and credentialed Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performing duties and tasks of a respiratory care practitioner. Upon the request of the physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness.

Responsibilities

• Explain to the resident the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment.
• Use knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of the resident in the adult and geriatric stages of development.
• Apply criteria for recognition of abuse and follow policy for making appropriate referral/intervention.
• Conduct physician‑prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer, with respect to the resident’s respiratory system.
• Perform chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning to mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage.
• Perform setup, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident’s respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation.
• Ensure adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Perform pulmonary function studies to determine volume, distribution, and movement of air.
• Record all pertinent information of treatments and resident response in respiratory care records and resident chart.
• Maintain and record daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, and ventilator weaning logs.
• Perform pulse oximetry; set up oxygen via nasal cannula and simple face mask.
• Assist resident with uncomplicated transfer in and out of bed.
• Report to relief personnel the condition of residents and treatments to be administered/conducted.
• Process respiratory therapy equipment – cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required.
• Conduct regular rounds – checking residents’ oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, and spot‑checking other respiratory therapy equipment.
• Key information into computer systems, including EMR.
• Participate in the Hazardous Materials Program.
• Perform other functions as identified by the Director of Nursing and Clinical Nurse Manager.

Job Functions

• Demonstrate respect for the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions.
• Appreciate the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times.
• Key information into computer systems accurately and efficiently.
• Provide care in emergency situations and follow established procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of, and implement resident care activities to promote, maintain, and/or restore health for assigned residents.
• Ensure privacy and dignity of residents in the provision of care.
• Use good oral and written communication skills with residents, families, physicians, and co‑workers.
• Prepare documentation timely, accurately, and thoroughly in a prescribed style and format.
• Interact with others with discretion, tact and diplomacy.
• Prioritize multiple assignments without sacrificing quality.
• Possess good judgment, organization, time‑management, and follow‑through skills.
• Adapt to changing environments and work well under pressure.
• Utilize organization and problem‑solving skills under pressure.
• Visual acuity required to observe details of instruments needed for life‑support.
• Be self‑initiated, highly motivated, and research available resources.
• Reflect a positive attitude, dependability, loyalty, discretion in confidentiality matters.
• Maintain a professional appearance regarding dress, grooming, etc.
• Present outcomes and recommendations in a professional manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy.
• Respiratory Therapist license: Current, valid licensure to practice in Oregon, credentialed by NBRC.
• Current Basic Life Support certification.
• Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures, and practice.
• Previous experience in Respiratory Therapy, Cardiology Technician, or similar position.
• Experience caring for patients with technology dependency (Medic‑Cal requirement).
• Ability to perform aspects of basic patient care, including 12‑lead EKG.
• Knowledge of OBRA and TitleXXII guidelines for LTC.
• Ability to work independently.
• Language skills: read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information in English; verbal communication clearly in English.
• Mathematical skills: add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure; perform operations using units of weight and volume.
• Communication skills: exceptional customer service, empathetic; communicate effectively with patients, families, staff, and outside resources.

Physical Capacities

• Move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Use prosthetics to see and hear or otherwise function adequately.
• Push, pull, or grab frequently.
• Meet health requirements set forth by facility, including annual TB screening and physical examination.
• Stand, walk, talk, hear, feel, and see for extended periods.
• Lift up to 40lb and carry up to 20lb on a frequent basis.
• Assist with turnover or re‑positioning patients frequently, up to 40lb.
• Coping with mental and emotional stress of the position.

Environmental Conditions

Inside work, normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to blood‑borne pathogens. Work includes emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, and varying resident behaviors. HIPAA must be followed at all times. The position is a mandated reporter regarding elder abuse and may have access to PHI.

Legal & Compliance

HIPAA is a law that must be followed by all healthcare personnel at every level. The ability to maintain confidentiality, record accurate information, and comply with OSHA, OBRA, and other regulations is required.