Respiratory Therapist - Cardiopulmonary Rehab - PRN

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Occupational Summary

Perform therapeutic clinical procedures as defined in the Respiratory Care Services scope of clinical practice. Work performed in accordance with physician orders. Defined duties are performed in adult outpatient rehabilitation setting. This position is part of the Pulmonary Rehab team, which promotes cardiovascular exercise and behavior change to improve patients’ activity tolerance and quality of life. In this role, the RCP will meet with patients 1:1 to evaluate and educate on their individual respiratory needs (i.e. medications and supplemental oxygen), as well as, be part of an interdisciplinary team that monitors and progresses patients during group exercise. Patient population includes those with medical pulmonary disease and individuals pre- and post-lung transplant.

Work Performed

• Makes recommendations regarding home respiratory equipment including oxygen.
• Educates patients on breathing devices.
• Administers and titrates oxygen.
• Monitors vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation during exercise sessions.
• Assures correct set-up, safety and function of equipment and supplies necessary in the provision of patient care.
• Performs routine cleaning and maintenance of respiratory equipment.
• Understands pharmacological indications, dosages and response to adverse drug reactions.
• Administers respiratory medications as needed.
• Makes patient care assessments according to accepted protocols.
• Provides education to patients, families, and members of the health care team.
• Documents in the patient medical record.
• Communicates effectively in multidisciplinary team to relay pertinent clinical information.
• Participates in quality improvement activities.
• Recognizes life threatening situations and initiates appropriate response.
• In the instance of medical emergency, performs CPR and bag-mask ventilation.
• Perform administrative duties related to day to day operations of pulmonary rehabilitation and graduate programs.
  
  

Education

Completion of a 2-year AMA approved respiratory care program (Associates Degree or the equivalent) or currently enrolled in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program, and registry eligible.

Experience

2 years minimum

Degrees, Licensure, And/or Certification

• North Carolina State Licensure or North Carolina State Provisional License,
• Certification by the National Association for Respiratory Care (NBRC) if graduate.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), and any other applicable certifications applicable to the institution.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge necessary to make appropriate clinical decisions and interactions relative to the specific age of a patient.
• Skills validation/certifications of competencies for the duties and responsibilities of this level.
• Must maintain annual skill requirements
• Must maintain annual safety/compliance requirements
• Must maintain North Carolina annual license requirements for CEU's Customer service and communication expertise.
• Work involves contact with patients of all ages, family members, physicians, nursing, and all other members of the health care team.
• Work is performed in all areas of Duke Hospital
• Work may require lifting or pushing in excess of 30 pounds.
• Work requires walking, climbing and bending.
  
  

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.