Respiratory Therapist

Overview:
At FutureCare our Respiratory Therapists are valued for their dedication of ensuring our residents have a personalized treatment plan to better breathing  They play a critical role as part of our nursing team and perform respiratory care related procedures and responsibilities within the scope of the respiratory policies and procedures, under general supervision and medical direction upon the order of a physician. We offer an excellent Benefits package.

 

Voted 12 years in a row in The Baltimore Sun as a “Top Workplace” and recognized in US Newsweek's publication as “Best Nursing Home”, FutureCare stands out as a leader in managing health care across a continuum of care. We are known for recognizing hard work and dedication and reward our team members for their compassion and care.  We also an Excellent Benefits Package, Flex/Advance Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, Career Growth Ladder, Employee Referral Bonus Program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401K Plan. 

 

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:

Accept and transcribe verbal and telephone orders from physician on respiratory therapy procedures

Utilize knowledge to ensure the care provided meets the unique physical and psychosocial needs are met based on the resident’s age

Work within the scope of practice for adult and geriatric residents

Initiate, monitor, manage, troubleshoot, maintain, and wean residents from mechanical ventilators,

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, resuscitator bag ventilation and chest compressions

Obtain Blood Gas Samples

Perform chest physiotherapy, including therapeutic percussion, vibration, and bronchopulmonary drainage

Perform pulmonary function testing, oxygen (medical gas), aerosol, and humidification administration

Manage artificial airway, tracheostomy care, changes, weaning and suctioning of airway and sputum induction

Aerosolized medication administration, handheld nebulizer, and metered dose inhaler

Incentive spirometry, breathing and coughing exercises

Procurement, handling, storage and dispensing of medical gases

Setups and maintains all types of oxygen and respiratory supplies and equipment

Review physicians’ orders

Document ventilator settings and measurements and performance of respiratory procedures, response to therapy including heart rate, respiratory rate, breath sounds

Perform initial assessments, care plan and assessment of resident’s respiratory status, resident’s progress, including the recognition and recording of signs and symptoms of respiratory distress and medication effects and side effects or adverse reactions and notifying a physician and resident’s nurse

Provide education and in-service training to residents, families, nursing, and other nursing home staff

Review data obtained and documented by other respiratory therapists

Discuss abnormal or unusual assessment findings with Supervisor as needed

Document according to policy, discharge instructions and/or nursing transfer summary

Check proper operation of equipment before and during use as well as emergency equipment as assigned and report malfunctioning equipment to the Supervisor and Maintenance

Evaluate and document according to policy resident responses to implemented respiratory care

Communication/Leadership Participates as an effective member of the resident care team contributing to the efficient operation of the unit, demonstrating effective interpersonal communication with all personnel, residents’, and families as part of the facility’s commitment to quality resident care

Apply basic verbal and non-verbal communication skills to identify and reduce resident’s/family’s anxiety

Act as preceptor for new employees as assigned

Demonstrate procedures to new respiratory personnel, as assigned

Communicate pertinent information and requests through established organizational channels

Present an accurate and comprehensive shift report to oncoming respiratory therapist, including resident’s condition, unit activities, actual and potential problems, and possible solutions

Initiate occurrence/incident reports as needed and follows through with standards of operating procedures

Interact with others in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner

Recognize learning needs of personnel on unit and provides instruction as necessary

Notifies supervisor of learning needs

Professional Development Seeks opportunities for own growth and expansion of responsibilities to maintain competency and assure the use of up-to-date methods in care giving

Participate in educational programs and workshops to increase professional competence

Read and follow through on written communication books on unit and initials as appropriate

Attend staff meetings

Participate in Performance Improvement programs

Present neat appearance in appropriate dress and identification as required by the position, department, and facility policy

Administrative Duties:

Set and implement goals and policies consistent with the philosophy and purpose of the facility

Abide by the standards identified in FutureCare’s Statement of Corporate Ethics and the Corporate Compliance Plan

Perform other relevant duties as assigned

Comply with schedule as posted and adheres to daily assignment

Qualifications:
Current licensure from the state of Maryland as a Respiratory Care Practitioner

Minimum of 1-year clinical respiratory experience

Current CPR training with recertification every two years

Must show recognition of and attention to the psychosocial needs of residents and their families

Ability to demonstrate good ability to communicate using English language in written and verbal

Must be able to lift at least 35 pounds

Must be able to push, pull, and lift residents

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