Respiratory Therapist PRN

Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center provides long-term acute care and an Acute Rehabilitation Unit focused on complex medical needs and recovery. This role administers respiratory care per physician orders, monitors ventilation, assesses patients, and participates in rounds with the multidisciplinary team.

The respiratory therapist will document procedures, manage ABG sampling, and support emergent airway management while collaborating with physicians, nurses, and therapists to optimize

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a respiratory therapy credential from an accredited program (Required) or an Associate’s Degree in respiratory therapy (Required).
• Licenses/Certifications include RCP upon hire (Required) and ACLS/BCLS per facility policy.
• Experience in acute hospital settings and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Deliver respiratory care procedures per hospital policies and protocols.
• Document procedures and ensure accurate charge capture and care plans.
• Verify and initiate physician orders for respiratory therapy.
• Operate ventilators and oxygen delivery devices; monitor patient status.
• Assist in airway management, suctioning, intubation support, and weaning per protocol.
• Collaborate with the care team and participate in rounds and training.

Skills

Respiratory care

Patient assessment

Emergency response

Team collaboration

Education

Postsecondary Certificate/Diploma in Respiratory Therapy

Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Tools

Ventilators

Oxygen delivery systems

ABG analysis equipment

Job description

Description

Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center and Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) provide specialized care for patients with complex medical needs. Our long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) offers advanced, hospital-level treatment for chronically and critically ill patients requiring extended stays. In addition, our Acute Rehabilitation Unit is dedicated to helping patients recover from the effects of acute injuries, impairments, or illnesses. With a focus on personalized care, both the LTACH and ARU collaborate with your physician to provide 24/7 clinical care, ensuring continuous support on your path to recovery.

Job Summary

Responsible for administering safe and competent respiratory care as ordered per physician, monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, patient assessment, understanding ramifications of hemodynamic monitoring, understanding blood work results, monitoring, teaching, and training.

Essential Functions

• Competent delivery of Respiratory Care procedures in all areas of the hospital as outlined in the Respiratory Care policies, procedures and protocols.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation and charge capture of all Respiratory Care procedures. Develop, document and maintain respiratory care elements of the patient plan of care.
• Verify and initiate all physician orders for Respiratory Care.
• Demonstrate competency and working knowledge of all Respiratory Care instruments and equipment. Perform troubleshooting, problem resolution and proper disinfection/sterilization.
• Initiate, monitor and maintain oxygen/aerosol delivery devices and non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation devices.
• Perform effective airway management including oral/nasal airway placement, bag/mask ventilation, intubation and/or intubation assistance, emergent and scheduled tracheostomy tube changes. Demonstrate safe and appropriate suction techniques and use of artificial airways. Initiate and perform 'CPR'.
• Perform tracheostomy, endotracheal tube and oral care.
• Implement one way speaking valve trials per physician order.
• Assist physician with diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy procedures.
• Complete initial and ongoing decannulation risk assessments with appropriate interventions and documentation.
• Perform and document timely Spontaneous Breathing Trial assessments for weaning readiness. Initiate and advance mechanical ventilator weaning per protocol.
• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary early patient mobility program
• Perform pulse oximetry and carbon dioxide gas monitoring.
• Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and analysis.
• Perform and document ongoing ABG analyzer quality control and maintenance as required.
• Perform and document patient and family teaching/education.
• Provide and receive accurate and complete patient handoff reports.
• Participate in department/hospital in-services, meetings, and patient care rounds.
• Notify immediate supervisor of changes in workload and patient acuity.
• Provide timely and accurate updates to healthcare team members and make recommendations for modification to patient therapy as clinically indicated.
• Assist in orientation and training of new employees/ students, and precept new employees during orientation.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Ability to work under stress and to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Utilize appropriate interpersonal communication skills when interacting with all healthcare team members, patients, and their families.
• Understands principles of lifespan growth and development with the ability to provide care appropriate for the adult and geriatric patient population.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Must have good and regular attendance.
• Must read, write and speak fluent English.
• Approximate percent of time required to travel: 0%
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Postsecondary (Cert/Diploma/Program Grad) from an accredited respiratory therapy program (Required) Or
• Associate’s Degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program (Required)

Licenses/Certifications

• RCP - Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner or comparable certification in the state of practice Upon Hire (Required) And
• CRT - Certified Radiologic Technologist or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential Upon Hire (Preferred) And
• BCLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire or within facility-specified time frame (Required) And
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Upon Hire or within facility-specified time frame (Required)

Experience

• 1+ years related experience (Preferred)