Respiratory Therapist (PRN or casual status)

Lexingtonregional; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Lexington seeks a dedicated Respiratory Therapist to assess and administer respiratory services. Responsibilities include patient education, diagnostic testing, and documentation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in respiratory care and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of respiratory care therapies and equipment operation.
• Current licensure as a Registered or Certified Respiratory Therapist.
• Effective communication skills for educating patients.

Responsibilities

• Assess and administer respiratory services to patients.
• Educate patients and families about lung diseases.
• Document all procedures and assessments accurately.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Education

Associate's degree in Respiratory Care

Tools

Basic Life Support certification

Job description

Lexington Regional Health Center

Title: Respiratory Therapist

Supervisor: Director of Respiratory Services

Department: Respiratory Therapy

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Principle duties and responsibilities

1. Assess and administer respiratory services, utilizing appropriate therapies to treat patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies, by prescription or approved protocol under the supervision of the patient's Medical Provider and Director of Respiratory Services.
2. Administer respiratory therapies such as nebulizer treatments, oxygen therapy, inhaled medications, bronchial hygiene therapy, lung volume expansion therapy, etc. Respond to patient status changes and emergency situations appropriately and efficiently.
3. Perform diagnostic testing on patients with cardio-pulmonary abnormalities, including EKGs, PFTs, Cardiac Stress Testing, ABGs, sputum cultures, Pulmonary Rehab, etc.
4. Educate patients and families about lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, smoking cessation, etc.
5. Conduct thorough patient assessments, including listening to lung sounds, counting respirations, and assessing work of breathing.
6. Document all procedures and assessments accurately and thoroughly.
7. Work with all age groups, from infants and pediatrics to adults.
8. Troubleshoot equipment such as BIPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen devices, ventilators, etc.
9. Participate in patient care activities that involve exposure to blood and bloodborne pathogens, such as handling blood-contaminated specimens.
10. Ensure the safe bagging and disposal of biohazardous waste.
11. Maintain the environment according to governing standards.
12. Properly collect, store, and label biological specimens.
13. Ensure infection control guidelines are followed by patients and visitors.
14. Maintain patient and staff safety using safety tools like TeamSTEPPS and Just Culture.
15. Attend work consistently at the assigned location.
16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of respiratory care therapies, procedures, equipment operation, and basic computer skills, typically acquired through an Associate's degree in a Respiratory Care program from an accredited school.
• Current licensure as a Registered or Certified Respiratory Therapist from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
• Current Basic Life Support certification via American Heart Association.
• Attention to detail, with approximately 75% of work time spent assessing patients and documenting.
• Analytical skills for troubleshooting equipment and evaluating patient status.
• Effective communication skills for educating patients, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and communicating with diverse individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Proficiency in preparing reports and correspondence professionally.
• Ability to respond promptly to inquiries and complaints from patients, staff, and regulatory agencies.
• Successful completion of training in standard precautions and transmission protocols.

Working conditions

1. Spend approximately 2-4 hours daily on documentation and desk work; the rest of the shift involves patient care activities. Transferring patients may require lifting up to 35 pounds. Equipment transport involves carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds over distances up to 300 feet. Use of percussion tools, which weigh 2-3 pounds, and holding equipment for treatments, up to 40 minutes, are required. Reaching for supplies stored at various heights is necessary. Filling and transporting oxygen and air tanks, weighing 10-15 pounds when full, constitutes about 10% of work time. Emergency response includes performing CPR, which may require different body positions.
2. Frequent exposure to infections, contagious diseases, hazardous agents, and body fluids, up to 60% of the time. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and hazards from flammable gases occurs up to 30% of the time. Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient elements occurs up to 10% of the time.
3. Work involves exposure to chemicals and hazards related to patient care, requiring safety precautions like gloves and glasses.
4. Direct contact with body substances and contaminated surfaces during patient care activities.

Management Responsibilities

1. None

Note: This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.