Long Term Acute Care - Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist (R) Lead works under the supervision of the Director and Assistant Director. The Respiratory Therapist (R) Lead assumes responsibility for caring for and completing tasks that contribute to high quality, safe, and effective care. The therapist will execute protocols, administer respiratory therapies, and educate patients and families about conditions and treatments. Serve as a resource to staff and assist Director/AD with issues and concerns.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and assesses patient’s respiratory needs to make recommendations.
• Administers medications and treatments based on patient outcomes.
• Delivers and assesses patient response to ordered therapy.
• Monitors, records and communicates patients condition and response to stimuli.
• Provides patient education for disease, medications and treatment.
• Accurately documents therapy and medication administered, including pre and post assessment of therapy, diagnostic testing results, patient interventions, and physician communications per Respiratory Standard.
• Assures the accuracy of patient charges by correct documentation of therapy and medications.
• Assists with equipment care and maintenance, cleaning and disinfection/sterilization, reassembly, and functional testing.
• Obtaining the appropriate qualifying testing needed for the DME Company in order to facilitate the patient's discharge.
• Other duties as assigned

• H.S. Diploma - Required
• Graduated from an accredited respiratory therapy program approved by the NBRC, where clinical rotations were completed - Required

• 1 Year - 1-2 years of experience - Preferred

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - If new graduate, RRT must be obtained within 6 months of hire. - Required Upon Hire
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - current, valid, and licensed in the state of Missouri - Required Upon Hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - must obtain within 30 days of hire - Required within 30 Days
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - Must obtain within 6 months of hire. - Required within 180 Days
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - Must obtain within 6 months of hire. - Required within 180 Days

• Must be able to travel between various system facilities and off-site locations as needed. - Required

Qualifications

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Detailed knowledge of Respiratory therapy equipment and procedures.
• Good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medications and general nursing.
• Detailed knowledge of specialized equipment and troubleshooting.
• Good mechanical skills in working with equipment.
• Computer skills and knowledge.

Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates/interacts with physicians, patient, family, nursing and other departments.
• Must work well as a team member.

Essential Physical Requirements

• High level of manual dexterity and able to lift 40 pounds and push 250 pounds.
• Hearing, speech, and vision must be adequate to perform essential function of the job.
• Walking, restraining, standing and kneeling.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Must be at a high level to perform essential function of the job.
• Explain procedures, evaluate patient’s condition and take immediate action.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Hearing, speech and vision must be adequate to perform essential function of the job.

Exposure to Hazards

• Exposure to blood, body fluid, needle sticks and hazardous materials.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Employee must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skill in providing appropriate care for patients in all age groups.