Respiratory Therapist

Position Title: Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary:

The Respiratory Therapist will provide critical respiratory care and support for patients in acute inpatient settings. This includes performing a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, managing mechanical ventilator support, and supporting emergency respiratory needs. The therapist will collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure patient safety and quality of care.

Essential Functions:

• Recognize emergency signs and symptoms, and provide appropriate support to patients and families.
• Review existing data, collect additional data, and make recommendations to evaluate the respiratory status of patients.
• Develop, implement, and modify respiratory care treatment plans based on assessments, protocols, policies, clinical pathways, and physician orders.
• Conduct prescribed therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, including administering medical gases, aerosols, medications, postural drainage, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pulmonary function testing, and hemodynamic monitoring.
• Manage mechanical ventilator support and other life support methods, maintain airways, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and perform invasive and non-invasive procedures following established standards.
• Document and communicate necessary information in the patients medical record.
• Perform complex procedures with critical thinking skills to manage critical patients.
• Assemble, calibrate, check, and troubleshoot respiratory care equipment as needed.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills for working productively with patients, families, providers, and co-workers, addressing age-specific and cultural needs.
• Participate in the orientation, mentorship, and education of personnel and students, providing formal and informal learning opportunities.
• Uphold confidentiality, ethical standards, and the organization's Code of Conduct.
• Maintain 100% compliance with hospital and departmental required education, certifications, competencies, and licensure.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Adhere to directives and maintain compliance with hospital and ethical standards of the profession.

Education & Certification Requirements:

Required:

• Associates degree in Health Sciences.
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification American Heart Association (AHA).

Preferred:

• Bachelors degree in Health Sciences.

This role is crucial for maintaining the respiratory health and safety of patients, particularly in high-pressure, emergency settings. The successful candidate will have strong technical knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and interpersonal skills to ensure effective patient care and collaboration with the healthcare team.