Respiratory Therapist RRT

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare seeks a dedicated Respiratory Therapist to provide therapeutic care for patients needing respiratory services. Primary tasks involve conducting respiratory assessments, managing ventilator support, and ensuring accurate patient records.

Qualifications include completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program and a Virginia license. Experience with respiratory machines is essential. Commitment to patient care flexibility is necessary.

Qualifications

• Must have completed an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• Must be licensed to practice in Virginia and possess relevant certifications.
• Previous experience as a Respiratory Therapy Technician is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform respiratory assessments and procedures.
• Initiate and monitor ventilator support.
• Record all therapy provided accurately.

Skills

Respiratory assessments

Mechanical ventilator support

CPAP/BIPAP operation

Data recording

Aerosol therapy

Education

Accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Tools

Pulse oximetry devices

Blood gas machines

Oxygen delivery devices

Job description

Summary

The Respiratory Therapist provides therapeutic care to patients requiring respiratory services as ordered by a staff physician.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform respiratory assessments and procedures, including bronchial drainage, positive pressure breathing modalities, bedside spirometry, and nasotracheal suction procedures.
• Monitor tracheostomy changes and provide metered dose inhaler instruction; perform an evaluation.
• Perform aerosol treatments and aerosol therapy.
• Perform arterial capillary punctures and blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and chest physiotherapy.
• Completely and accurately record data and therapy rendered in the patient's permanent medical record.
• Initiate and monitor the effectiveness of mechanical ventilator support.
• Perform weaning parameters and extubations as indicated and ordered.
• Know the indications and contraindications for the administration of respiratory drugs, particularly those administered via the inhalation route; communicate observations and any adverse reactions to the appropriate personnel.
• Review the quality and appropriateness of therapy on a routine basis.
• Audit charts and participate in Performance Improvement activities.
• Participate in teaching programs involving respiratory staff, patients, nursing students, and new hires.
• Participate in in-service education for nursing.
• Assist the department head and medical director in initiating new therapy procedures.
• Repair and maintain all respiratory care equipment in compliance with all infection control policies.
• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services.
• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reports to: Operations Manager, Respiratory Therapy

Supervises: None

Responsibilities: Not applicable

Education and Experience

• Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• Preferred Education: Not applicable.
• Experience: Previous experience as a Respiratory Therapy Technician and the ability to operate BIPAP and CPAP machines, mechanical ventilators, oxygen and aerosol delivery devices, oxygen analyzers, pressure monitors, portable and stationary pulmonary function equipment, pulse oximetry devices, EtCO2 devices, blood gas machines, continuous and intermittent positive pressure devices, and a stethoscope.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration

Applicants must be credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care and licensed to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the Commonwealth of Virginia. BLS within 90 days of hire, ACLS within 120 days of hire, PALS within 120 days, and NRP within 120 days.