Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Goldwater Care; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Peoria, IL is seeking a licensed Respiratory Therapist to provide essential respiratory therapy to residents. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, deliver direct resident care, and maintain thorough documentation. Must possess a current state licensure and CPR certification. Strong communication skills and the ability to make independent decisions are essential. Experience in Long Term Care is preferred, and the role requires a commitment to high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Must be able to evaluate and care for residents with respiratory problems.
• Knowledge of Ventilator management and maintenance.
• Experience in Long Term Care is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct respiratory therapy to the residents.
• Monitor resident outcomes and make plans for care adjustments.
• Educate residents and caregivers on respiratory health.
• Document care procedures accurately.
• Collaborate with medical staff regarding resident conditions.

Skills

Ability to perform respiratory therapy

Independent decision making

Knowledge of nursing & medical practices

Effective communication in English

Education

Current unencumbered state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist

Current CPR Certification

Job description

SUMMARY

The RTis responsible for providing direct respiratory therapy to the residents in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be required by the Director of Respiratory Therapy to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate, treat, and care for residents with respiratory problems including but not limited to those on ventilators or with tracheostomies including the administration of bland aerosols and suctioning
• Evaluate resident care and resident outcomes as they relate to respiratory care; analyze outcomes and make recommendations for changes in the plan of care based upon the analysis
• Provide routine care of ventilator dependent residents including connecting to the ventilator, managing ventilator settings, maintenance, and weaning protocols; monitor equipment for mechanical problems
• 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 and 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 care equipment safely and effectively
• Maintain timely and accurate resident reports as required by regulatory agencies and third party payors
• Assume quality improvement duties as assigned
• Draw and analyze Arterial Blood Gases according to facility guidelines.
• Observe infection prevention procedures
• Document care and procedures in the medical record in a timely manner
• Assist in the care and management of residents during emergency situations as indicated
• Check and maintain respiratory supplies on the respiratory unit/store room, including the proper care and use of all equipment
• Attend mandatory in-services and meetings and complete annual competencies as designated by the department
• Work collaboratively as a team member to meet resident needs
• May take telephone orders relating to respiratory care from a physician
• Collaborate with nurse in charge on any changes in resident’s condition
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Respiratory Therapist with current unencumbered state licensure.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must be able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing & medical practices & procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.
• Current CPR Certification is required
• Experience in Long Term Care is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to cope with the mental & emotional stress of the position.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical & physical examination.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.