Respiratory Therapist RRT (FLEXI)

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare in Chesapeake, VA seeks a Respiratory Therapist to provide therapeutic care to patients as ordered by a staff physician. You will perform assessments, airway support, and monitor ventilator therapy.

The role requires completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program, Virginia licensure, and BLS/ACLS/PALS/NRP within specified timelines. Duties include data documentation and education for staff and students.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in Virginia.
• BLS required within 90 days; ACLS, PALS, and NRP within 120 days.

Responsibilities

• Perform respiratory assessments and procedures as ordered by staff physicians.
• Monitor and manage ventilation, airway clearance, and related therapies.
• Record therapy data accurately in the patient chart and participate in QA activities.
• Educate nursing staff, students, and new hires on respiratory care procedures.
• Repair and maintain respiratory equipment following infection control policies.
• Participate in hospital orientations, meetings, and in-services.

Skills

Respiratory assessments

Aerosol therapies

Ventilator management

Weaning/extubation

Pulse oximetry & blood gas

CPR / emergency care

Infection control adherence

Education & training support

Education

Accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Tools

BIPAP/CPAP equipment

Mechanical ventilators

Pulmonary function devices

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 metered dose inhaler instruction and 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, Registrations

Applicants must be credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care and must be 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.