Respiratory Therapist - St. Rita's Medical Center

Mercy Health; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Health's Respiratory Care Practitioner I at St. Rita's Medical Center delivers comprehensive respiratory support, from assessment to therapy initiation and patient education.

The role requires current licensure, NBRC credentialing, and hands-on experience in respiratory therapy within acute or ambulatory care settings. A strong patient-centered approach and effective communication are essential, with duties including oxygen therapy, ventilator care and device instruction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree related to Respiratory Therapy/Health Care/Healthcare Admin/Business Admin (preferred).
• Current Respiratory Care License in the state of work (required).
• NBRC credentialed (required).
• BLS Basic Life Support (required).
• ACLS/PALS (preferred).
• Driver's License (required for Home Care/DME).
• 6 months Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area (preferred).
• Experience in ambulatory or acute care settings (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide respiratory care through assessment, planning, intervention, education and evaluation.
• Perform therapies per physician orders and monitor patient response.
• Set up oxygen and ventilation therapies and monitor PaO2 levels.
• Administer IPPB and aerosol therapies and document vital signs and responses.
• Instruct patients and families on devices and therapy usage.
• Assist with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy procedures as needed.
• Maintain respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Customer service

Time management

Organizational skills

Oral and written communication

Feedback receptiveness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy/Health care/Healthcare Admin/Business Admin

Job description

BSMMHPUSR277228EXTERNALENUS

Mercy Health

Intro paragraph

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

Respiratory Care Practitioner I/Flat Rate/WEO – St. Rita's Medical Center

Job Summary:

The Respiratory Care Practitioner I is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs all respiratory care procedures including but not limited to oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services and patient and staff education. Monitors the patient's response to such therapies and makes recommendations to change or modify based on the assessment.

Essential Functions:

• May serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
• Assesses patient's physical status by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior and reviewing existing data in patient's record.
• Performs treatments according to physician orders, explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response.
• Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals including IPPB, Aerosol therapy, Postural drainage and percussion, ultrasonic nebulizer, incentive spirometry, metered dose inhalers and spacers, etc.
• Sets up and maintains different modes of oxygen therapy, to maintain adequate PaO2’s with accurate inspired levels of oxygen.
• Administers intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or Aerosol Therapy by first preparing the prescribed medication ordered by the physician and adjusting the machine or device to accomplish patient’s individual clinical needs; document and observe patient’s vital signs, productivity of cough, relief of Dyspnea, improved breath sounds and any adverse reactions to therapy; and use judgement and technical skill to determine possible adverse reactions and suggestions for appropriateness of therapy.
• Gives postural drainage, vibration, percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions by use of manual or mechanical percussion; check orders and X-rays for segments to be treated prior to initiating treatment; auscultation prior to and after procedure to note presence of clearance of secretions and response to therapy.
• Instructs patients and families in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler (MDI) administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care and home aerosol therapy.
• May assist doctor with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy; assists with tracheostomy endotracheal tube changes; ensures proper humidification.
• Procurement of sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance either by patient coaching, administration of mucolytics, aerosol therapy or endotracheal / nasopharyngeal suctioning.
• Evaluates normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory value ranges.
• Performs arterial punctures and analysis; has an in-depth knowledge of analysis and arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation. Performs arterial line procedures, takes safety precautions, sterile procedure, flushing, and ABG aspirations.
• May perform EKG’s; understands electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintains all Respiratory Therapy equipment and supplies.
• Responds to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree, Related to Respiratory Therapy/Health care/Healthcare Admin/Business Admin (preferred)

Required Licensing & Certifications:

• Current Respiratory Care License in the state they are working (required)
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed (required)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred)

• BLS Basic Life Support - American Heart Association (required)
• ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support - American Heart Association or Red Cross (preferred)
• PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support - American Heart Association (preferred)
• Valid Driver's License (required for Home Care/DME)

Experience:

• Previous working experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting (preferred)
• 6 months Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area (preferred)

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills and able to effectively interact with patients, their families, physicians, and other staff members
• Good communication skills
• Able to effectively work with diverse people
• Good customer service skills
• Good organizational skills and time management skills
• Good oral and written communication
• Able to receive feedback