Respiratory Therapist

Helia Healthcare of Salem; Salem (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Helia Healthcare of Salem seeks a Respiratory Therapist to evaluate, treat, and document care for residents with respiratory and pulmonary needs in a nursing home setting. This role leads the respiratory department operations in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines, coordinating with the interdisciplinary team to ensure high-quality patient care.

The ideal candidate has an accredited respiratory program background, IL state RT license, and at least 3 years of experience, with

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Program.
• Valid IL State license as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory processes, MDS and care planning.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate residents’ respiratory needs when referred by the attending physician or interdisciplinary team.
• Follow physician orders, facility policies and procedures to evaluate and treat residents and document care provided.
• Participate in discharge planning when appropriate.
• Evaluate and document evaluations of referred residents per facility policies.
• Provide treatment to maintain or improve respiratory function within patient abilities.
• Educate residents and caregivers on respiratory care and prevention measures.
• Operate respiratory therapy equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintain timely and accurate resident reports for regulatory bodies and payors.

Education

Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Program

IL State license as a Respiratory Therapist

Job description

Description

The purpose of the Respiratory Therapist is to evaluate, treat, document care for residents with impaired respiratory and pulmonary function due to disease process; including resident’s with tracheotomy and residents who are ventilator dependent, and participate in the interdisciplinary team meetings as required. Qualified candidate will plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Respiratory Department in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs duties and responsibilities with assigned functional area within a nursing home facility which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following tasks:

• Evaluate residents’ respiratory functional needs when referred by the resident’s attending physician or interdisciplinary team.
• Follow physician’s orders, facility policies and procedures to evaluate and treat residents and complete required documentation for care provided.
• Participate in discharge planning when appropriate.
• Evaluate and document evaluations of referred residents in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
• Provide appropriate treatment to help residents maintain or attain the highest level of respiratory function possible within the confines of his/her physical condition.
• Recommend and/or provide appropriate treatment, preventative measures to prevent decline in residents’ respiratory function.
• Provide appropriate resident or caregiver education to help residents maintain or attain the highest level of respiratory function possible within the confines of his/her physical abilities.
• Operate respiratory therapy equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintain timely and accurate resident reports as required by federal, state and local regulatory agencies and third-party payers.
• Perform all duties assigned in an effective, timely and professional manner.
• Observe infection control procedures.
• Know and understand Illinois Department Public Health regulations and requirements.
• Be responsible for the safety of residents under his/her supervision.
• Observe all facility policies and procedures.
• Assume duties related to completion of Minimum Data Set assessments as assigned.
• Complete documentation related to evaluations, treatment plans, MDS assessments, resident care plans and progress notes in a timely manner.
• Participate in resident care conferences, interdisciplinary care conferences and rehabilitation conferences as scheduled.
• Participate in implementation of programs to improve resident care related to Quality Indicators.
• Assume Quality Assurance duties as assigned.
• Accept assigned duties in a cooperative manner.
• Assume accountability for all data contained in the employees’ handbook (if employed by the facility).
• Perform other related duties as directed by his/her supervisor.
• Come to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrate dependability and punctuality.
• Come to work in neat, clean attire and consistently present an appropriate professional appearance.
• Consistently work cooperatively with residents, residents’ representatives, facility staff, physicians, consultants, and ancillary service providers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Program.
• Valid IL State license as an RT.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory process, MDS and care planning process.
• Fiscal and budgetary knowledge
• Must know documentation requirements and be driven by quality care standards
• Ability to work with physicians and other healthcare professionals

The Fine Print (Still Important!)

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check and drug screen. We want to keep our residents safe, happy, and in good hands—you’re part of that promise.

Helia Healthcare, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We’re committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better we can serve our community.