Respiratory Rehab, Albion, Part Time, Days, Monday-Friday, Req # 2178
Position Summary
The Respiratory Therapist provides high-quality respiratory therapy care and life-support services within their scope of practice and under the direction of a healthcare provider. This role collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to support and achieve each patient’s individualized plan of care across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and sleep-study services. This is a part-time, 30 hour/week position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Patient Support
- Administer respiratory therapy treatments and life-support services to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies or abnormalities, in accordance with provider orders and approved protocols.
- Perform all cardiopulmonary services offered by the department.
- Interpret provider orders, arterial blood gases, and patient data to determine appropriate therapy type, method, duration, and medication dosing.
- Administer medical gases, aerosolized medications, and inhalants using appropriate delivery methods.
- Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist patients with breathing exercises.
- Conduct pulmonary function testing to support diagnostic evaluation.
- Provide emergency respiratory care, including artificial respiration and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Draw arterial blood gases as indicated.
- Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other healthcare personnel.
Treatment Monitoring & Modification
- Monitor patient responses to therapy, including vital signs, blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Recognize, respond to, and report adverse reactions to prescribed therapies.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers to modify treatment plans as clinically indicated.
Equipment Use & Maintenance
- Operate, inspect, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe and effective function.
- Ensure equipment parameters (e.g., volume, gas concentration, humidity, temperature) meet prescribed requirements.
- Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate repairs or calibration as needed.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and ongoing documentation of patient assessments, treatments, and outcomes in the medical record.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
Medication Administration
- Administer respiratory medications via handheld nebulizers.
- Monitor oxygen saturation and collaborate with providers to adjust oxygen therapy as needed.
Patient & Family Education
- Educate patients and families on respiratory conditions, treatment plans, breathing techniques, and use of respiratory equipment.
- Explain procedures clearly to promote understanding, cooperation, and comfort.
Communication & Collaboration
- Communicate effectively with nursing staff, providers, and other members of the healthcare team regarding patient status and care plans.
- Participate in shift reports using approved formats.
- Identify changes in patient condition, prioritize care needs, and promptly report concerns to medical providers.
Safety & Quality
- Promote patient and staff safety through proper body mechanics, infection control practices, and adherence to National Patient Safety Goals.
- Follow procedures for medication handling, narcotic wasting, and disposal of sharps and hazardous materials.
- Use automated medication administration systems appropriately.
Sleep Lab & Specialty Services
- Collaborate with contracted sleep study staff to ensure compliance with sleep study accreditation requirements.
- Support ongoing sleep lab operations and quality assurance processes.
- Assist with scheduling home and formal sleep studies and overnight oximetry testing.
Additional Duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- Graduate of an AMA-approved Respiratory Care Program
- Current licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Nebraska
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Preferred
- Prior experience as a Respiratory Therapist
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong clinical judgment and problem-solving skills
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply clinical, regulatory, and organizational policies and procedures
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based healthcare environment
- Ability to make frequent decisions regarding methods of care delivery
Equipment & Technology
- Standard respiratory therapy and patient-care equipment
- Computer systems, information systems, and general office equipment
Confidentiality & Security
This position requires access to confidential patient and organizational information and strict adherence to all privacy policies, HIPAA regulations, and organizational confidentiality standards.