Overview The Respiratory Therapist provides services to adult and pediatric patients. They provide general respiratory therapy, adult and pediatric critical care, and limited diagnostics. This is a 13-week, night shift, 84-hour contract position. Responsibilities • Performs and accurately records technical procedures safely, effectively, efficiently, and within scope of policy • Reviews, collects, and evaluates relevant clinical data, and formulates an appropriate care plan based on patient assessment. • Performs both basic and advanced emergency, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures for neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. • Provides effective education to patients and co-workers as appropriate. • Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment. • Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and facility-wide organizational performance improvement activities. • Gives rationale for actions, decisions, and clinical care, based on scientific principles, clinical practice guidelines, or successful experience • Patient care procedures include: • • Oxygen/Aerosol Therapy • Bronchial Hygiene • Postural Drainage and Percussion • Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing • Acapella • Aerosolized Medications • Hand Held Nebulizer • Metered Dose Inhaler • Dry Powder Inhaler • Adult/Pediatric/Neonatal Critical Care • CPAP/BiPAP • E-ZPAP • Mechanical ventilation including transport • Blood collection and analysis • Emergency tracheostomy tube replacement • Bedside Pulmonary Function Testing • ECG DCH Standards • Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation. • Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook • Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self. • Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet. • Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures. • All other duties as assigned. Qualifications • Current Alabama Respiratory Care licensure. • Holds active credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) (removed statement within 1 year after graduation) • Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor’s degree preferred, or holds a certificate in Respiratory Therapy • Must have at least two (2) years of previous direct-care RT experience in a hospital setting • BCLS provider • PALS preferred for staff working in the Emergency Department. • ACLS required. • NRP required if NICU trained • Membership in appropriate professional organization (i.e. American Association for Respiratory Care, Alabama Society for Respiratory Care) is strongly encouraged • Responsible for obtaining needed continuing education for licensure • Must be able to read, write legibly, speak and comprehend English. WORKING CONDITIONS WORK CONTEXT • Environmental Conditions: Includes exposure to human fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment. • Psychological Conditions: Includes demonstrating leadership skills. Delegating to team members, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results. PHYSICAL FACTORS • Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking. • Ability to lift and carry up to a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds. • Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction. • Ability to run in emergency situations. • Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner. • Must have ability to feel and perceive temperatures, texture, shape and size with fingertips. • Physical presence onsite is essential. • Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range. • Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.