Respiratory Therapy Technician II

Memorial Health; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 30,940 - 47,968; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Springfield is looking for a Respiratory Therapist to initiate and maintain respiratory care for patients of all ages. The ideal candidate will have a degree from an accredited respiratory care program and certifications in CPR and BLS. Responsibilities include ensuring proper operation of respiratory therapy equipment, documenting patient care details, and responding to emergency situations. This role requires excellent assessment skills and the ability to modify therapy based on patient responses.

Qualifications

• Completion of 1st year of Respiratory Care Associate’s Degree program with associated clinical rotation experience.
• Must be able to recognize life-threatening arrhythmias or EKG strips.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, maintain, and discontinue basic respiratory therapy equipment.
• Prepares and tests R.T. equipment for proper operation.
• Documents patient oxygen use for charging purposes.

Skills

Current CPR certification

Current BLS certification

Ability to assess patients’ conditions

Education

Graduate from an accredited respiratory care program

2nd year student in final clinical semesters of Associates Degree program

Job description

Overview

Initiate, maintain, and discontinue basic respiratory therapy equipment and techniques in the administration of prescribed respiratory care procedure to patients of all ages with cardio-pulmonary disorders.

Pay

USD $22.46/Hr.

Max USD $34.82/Hr.

Schedule

PRN

Qualifications

Education: Graduate from an accredited respiratory care program, preferred, or 2 nd year student in final clinical semesters of Associates Degree program, required.

Licensure/Certification/Registry: Current CPR certification, required.

Experience: Completion of 1 st year of Respiratory Care Associate’s Degree program with associated clinical rotation experience.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Current BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Minimum cleaning and maintenance of R.T. equipment.
• Prepares and tests R.T. equipment for proper and safe operation and periodically checks R.T. equipment in use and on units for proper operation and routine service. Reports malfunctioning equipment to manager.
• Follows and enforces safety rules of the R.T. Department and hospital following special instructions, such as isolation precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
• Receives, verifies, and processes all necessary documentation for correct order.
• Documents patient oxygen use for charging purposes by visual inspection of every patient care unit bed.
• Changes humidifiers and aerosol generators according to department policy.
• Performs emergency rounds according to department policy.
• Distributes E-cylinders of oxygen to the designated gas stations within MMC.
• Receives and documents orders from physicians relating to Respiratory Care Order Set. Also reads and evaluates physician orders and charts that pertain to respiratory care and is aware of contraindication to medications, treatments, and related hazards with their use.
• Measures and administers prescribed medications to patients (oxygen & aerosolized medications, etc.). Also administers the following therapy: EZPAP, humidity and aerosols, chest physical therapy, incentive spirometry, pulse oximetry, BiPAP and CPAP administration and bedside pulmonary function/mechanics.
• Assess patients’ conditions and response to respiratory therapy by checking patients pulse, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, inspiratory pressure, cough, sputum, breath sounds, and other pertinent data that relates to the patient. Must also be alert to adverse reactions of patient during treatment, plus be aware of proper response to emergencies.
• Recognizes signs of cardiopulmonary arrest and/or failure and assists in performing CPR procedures. Also must be able to recognize life‑threatening arrhythmias or EKG strips.
• Modifies therapy to deal with adverse or ineffective patient response and reports changes to shift supervisor.
• Records procedures and patient response in appropriate electronic documentation, departmental paperwork, medication administration records, interdisciplinary plan of care and education record and requisitions. Completes both written and oral reports on patients and relays information to oncoming therapists.
• Participates in in‑services, continuing education, and other staff development activities.
• Performs CPR procedures as part of the Stat Code Team.
• Keeps confidential all patient information received and follows MMC Guest Relations guidelines.
• Follows MMC and Pulmonary Medicine infection control policies
• Performs all duties under supervision of Certified Respiratory Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist, or shift supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.