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Respiratory Therapist - St. Anne Hospital

Mercy Health, Toledo, OH, United States


Respiratory Care Practitioner II – St. Ann Hospital
Mercy Health is a faith-based and patient-focused organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. We value compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect, and seek associates who share our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where teams thrive.

Job Summary
The Respiratory Care Practitioner II is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education and evaluation. Performs 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 therapies and makes recommendations to modify treatment based on assessment.

Essential Functions

May serve as the shift “Charge Therapist” with responsibility for ensuring adequate staffing levels and coverage across patient care areas, assigning staff, modifying work assignments, assisting with meal coverage, and managing call-offs for the next shift.

May assist physicians during procedures such as bronchoscopy, transtracheal catheter insertion, tracheostomy intubation (if performed by respiratory therapy in the facility), and invasive monitoring.

Performs CPR including closed chest compressions and airway management in accordance with the AHA ACLS protocol.

Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to maintain a patient airway, including endotracheal tubes, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways, airway humidification, secretion suctioning, extubation, and maintenance of correct ETT cuff pressures; documents procedures in patient and department records.

Selects, assembles, monitors and evaluates mechanical ventilators for proper function and operation, addresses malfunctions, and determines appropriate use for patient condition.

May perform pulmonary function tests (PFT).

Serves as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.

Assesses patient status by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior and review of data in the patient’s record.

Performs treatments per physician orders, explains therapy and goals to the patient, and modifies procedures based on patient response.

Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and communicates recommendations to the physician to achieve therapeutic goals (e.g., IPPB, aerosol therapy, postural drainage and percussion, ultrasonic nebulizer, incentive spirometry, MDI with spacers).

Sets up and maintains various oxygen therapy modes to maintain adequate PaO2 with accurate inspired oxygen levels.

Administers IPPB or aerosol therapy, documents patient vital signs and response, and assesses for adverse reactions to therapy.

Provides postural drainage, percussion and chest physiotherapy; reviews orders and X-rays prior to treatment; conducts auscultation before and after therapy to evaluate secretion clearance and response.

Instructs patients and families in incentive spirometry, MDI use, postural drainage, oxygen therapy, ventilator care and home aerosol therapy.

Procures sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance through coaching, mucolytics, aerosol therapy or airway suctioning.

Evaluates normal and pathologic laboratory value ranges and performs arterial punctures and ABG analysis; possesses knowledge of arterial line procedures and sterile technique.

May perform EKGs; 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. 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 (required)

PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support – American Heart Association (required)

NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program – AAP/AWHONN (preferred)

CPFT (preferred)

RPFT (preferred)

ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist) – NBRC (preferred)

Valid driver’s license (required for Home Care/DME)

Experience

Two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional (required)

Skills & Abilities

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians and staff

Good communication skills

Able to work with diverse people

Strong customer service and organizational skills

Effective time management and written and oral communication

Able to receive feedback and interpret data

Accountability and reliability

Knowledge of non-invasive respiratory equipment (oximeters, capnography)

Proficient in therapeutic procedures including CPAP/BiPAP, jet nebulization, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high-flow oxygen, continuous aerosol therapy, ventilator management and diagnostic testing

Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement and basic arrhythmias

Arterial blood gas punctures and testing

Airway management and bedside pulmonary function assessment

Patient assessment and education

Knowledge of chest suction equipment and chest X-ray interpretation

Training

EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred)

What We Offer

Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)

Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts

Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders

Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. For accommodations or to view an affirmative action policy, contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.

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