Respiratory Therapist

This is a full-time job, based in Elkhart, IN that includes a $10,000 signing bonus and up to $10,000 relocation assistance!

Quality Care and Productivity

Performs treatments, procedures, and protocols in Critical Care areas and floor areas according to department policies, procedures, and physician orders.

Demonstrates competency in all critical care procedures; i.e. ventilator management, BiPAP management, airway management, etc.

Works within the team concept to efficiently complete the department's treatment workload.

Effectively serves in Team Captain Role to ensure coordination and completion of the team's patient care workload.

Performs treatment on parties in a quality manner with a focus on patient experience, infection control, and patient safety.

Responds timely and/or immediately to address patient/customer respiratory care needs.

Actively participates in department Huddles to help resolve department and Hospital quality of care or service issues.

Gives a quality shift report in an efficient manner.

Demonstrates timely and effective communication with Shift Coordinators, Team Captains, and Team Members as appropriate.

Professional Development

Orients new staff and students as assigned.

Completes skills validations within designated time frames.

Supportive of other department team members in areas of their professional development.

Willingly shares knowledge with their peers and others.

Department Equipment/ Resources

Re-stocks supply carts at the end of the shift for the on-coming shift.

Cleans equipment using appropriate infection control, assembles, and performs required safety checks on equipment.

Restocks supplies in key work storage areas to ensure adequate supplies are available.

Returns discontinued equipment to the department in a timely manner and no later than the end of the shift.

Cleans returned equipment before leaving at the end of the shift.

Demonstrates ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment.

Follows department policy regarding medication security.

Documentation and Patient Charges

Consistently documents in a complete and accurate manner all patient care procedures, protocols, education and goals in HED/HEC.

Records procedures done on the Master Treatment Sheet (time and initials) daily prior to leaving at the end of the shift.

This includes charges on the one-time sheet.

Ensures that all procedures performed are charged prior to leaving at the end of the shift, including daily charges, in HED.

Documents department performance issues on the Respiratory Department Performance board.

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department

Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.

Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.

Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.

Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.

Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.

Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.

Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.

Complies with established organization and department policies.

Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of some college or vocational training. Indiana State Certification (RCP) is required. NPR & ACLS certification required for FT/PT staff (preferred for PRN associates). A minimum of 1 to 2 years of job-related experience is required. Two years clinical experience and 1 year experience in critical care preferred. Must be credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). New graduates from a Respiratory Therapy Program will be given one year from their date of hire to obtain the RRT credential through the NBRC. New graduates who do not obtain the RRT within the assigned time frame will not be eligible to remain in their Respiratory Therapy position (employees hired prior to June 1, 2012 are exempt from RRT requirement). Preferred membership in professional association (AARC).

Knowledge & Skills

• Close attention to detail required.
• Requires a Respiratory Care Practitioner license from the State of Indiana.
• Familiarity in the use and maintenance of respiratory equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of emergency and routine procedures as documented in hospital policy and procedures.
• Must have thorough knowledge of cardiopulmonary dynamics.
• Working Conditions
• May encounter potentially hazardous conditions due to exposure to patients with communicable disease or from use of chemical solutions for disinfection.
• Must be able to work under stress.

Physical Demands

Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.