Respiratory Therapist - Part Time

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Respiratory Therapist – Part Time

Job Summary :

Under the direction of the Respiratory Department Leader and the medical direction of the attending physician, the Part-Time Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides comprehensive respiratory care services to neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in accordance with physician orders, departmental policies, evidence-based practice, and applicable state and federal regulations.

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for assessing, treating, monitoring, and evaluating patients with cardiopulmonary disorders; administering therapeutic interventions; operating and maintaining respiratory care equipment; responding to medical emergencies; performing diagnostic testing; educating patients and families; and collaborating with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care.

When assigned, the Respiratory Therapist also performs and/or facilitates diagnostic sleep studies and home sleep testing in accordance with physician orders, applicable accreditation standards, and departmental policies.

This is a part-time position with scheduled work hours determined by departmental staffing requirements, patient care needs, and organizational operational needs. The position may require work during days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, or other scheduled coverage periods. Flexibility in scheduling and the ability to respond to assigned shifts are essential to supporting respiratory care services in a Critical Access Hospital.

Core Processes and Activities:

Job responsibilities

• Perform patient assessments and develop respiratory care plans based on physician orders, established protocols, and patient condition.
• Administer respiratory medications, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, humidity therapy, bronchial hygiene therapy, lung expansion therapy, and other respiratory treatments as ordered.
• Initiate, monitor, troubleshoot, and manage invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation within the therapist's scope of practice and established protocols.
• Perform ventilator assessments, adjustments, weaning protocols, and extubation in accordance with physician orders, departmental protocols, and applicable competency requirements.
• Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and analyze results to support patient assessment and treatment.
• Perform pulse oximetry, capnography, electrocardiograms (EKGs), pulmonary function testing, bedside spirometry, and other diagnostic procedures within the scope of practice.
• Assess patient responses to therapy and communicate findings and recommend changes in treatment to the physician and healthcare team.
• Respond to cardiopulmonary emergencies, rapid response events, trauma activations, and cardiac arrests as an active member of the resuscitation team.
• Assist with airway management, intubation, and emergency respiratory procedures as authorized and trained.
• Educate patients and families regarding respiratory conditions, medications, oxygen therapy, inhaler use, CPAP/BiPAP therapy, and home respiratory equipment.
• Accurately document patient assessments, treatments, interventions, education, and outcomes in the electronic health record.
• Operate, calibrate, clean, disinfect, and maintain respiratory equipment according to manufacturer recommendations, infection prevention standards, and departmental procedures.
• Ensure oxygen delivery systems, medical gas equipment, and respiratory supplies are appropriately maintained and available for patient care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and communicate changes in patient condition promptly to physicians, nursing staff, and other appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Participate in departmental quality improvement, patient safety, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a clinical resource for respiratory care practices within the organization as appropriate to experience and competency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Complete required documentation, handoffs, and communication to support continuity of patient care between shifts.
• Perform other duties within the scope of practice and assigned responsibilities as needed.

Sleep Diagnostic Services:

• Responsible for oversight of the sleep lab.
• Prepares patients by explaining procedures, obtaining necessary documentation.
• Schedule, and all preparations needed for the study.
• Documents observations in the electronic health record and sleep diagnostic software.
• Coordinates with physicians, sleep specialists, respiratory leadership, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient testing and follow-up.
• Assists with CPAP/BiPAP patient education and mask fitting as appropriate.
• Maintains compliance with applicable sleep laboratory accreditation standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The Part-Time Respiratory Therapist must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide safe and effective respiratory care, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of respiratory care principles, cardiopulmonary physiology, and respiratory disease processes.
• Knowledge of mechanical ventilation, airway management, and respiratory pharmacology.
• Knowledge of infection prevention, patient safety, emergency response, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to assess patient conditions, recognize changes in clinical status, and prioritize interventions appropriately.
• Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to function effectively during emergencies and high-acuity situations.
• Ability to collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Knowledge of electronic health record documentation and applicable confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to manage assigned responsibilities independently while recognizing when consultation or assistance is needed.
• Knowledge of polysomnography equipment, home sleep testing devices, and sleep medicine practices preferred for employees assigned sleep laboratory responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• Current, valid Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the State of Missouri, as required by applicable law.
• Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred; Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) accepted when consistent with state requirements and CCMH policy.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required or obtained within the organizational timeframe established by CCMH.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications preferred or required according to departmental assignment and facility policy.
• Previous acute care hospital experience preferred.
• Sleep technology certification, such as RPSGT or CPSGT, preferred for therapists assigned to sleep diagnostic services.
• Ability to meet the position's scheduled work requirements and maintain the clinical competencies necessary for assigned patient care responsibilities.

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to the CCMH dress code and maintains a professional appearance.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, wearing appropriate identification.
• Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and applicable privacy requirements.
• Complies with federal and state laws, accreditation standards, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Represents CCMH professionally when interacting with patients, visitors, coworkers, providers, and the community.
• Participates in required departmental meetings, mandatory education, competency assessments, and continuing education applicable to the position and scheduled work responsibilities.
• Maintains clinical competency through ongoing professional development and required training.
• Participates in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives as assigned.
• Demonstrates CCMH's mission, vision, and values in daily practice.
• Maintains all required professional licensure and certifications.
• Promotes teamwork, collaboration, accountability, and patient-centered care.
• Completes required patient care documentation and shift handoffs to promote continuity of care.
• Communicates scheduling conflicts, anticipated absences, and availability changes in accordance with departmental scheduling and attendance policies.
• Fulfills assigned shifts and agreed-upon scheduling commitments and follows established procedures for requesting time off, shift changes, and schedule adjustments.
• Demonstrates flexibility in supporting departmental staffing needs within the established terms of part-time employment.

Part-Time Employment and Scheduling Expectations:

• This position is designated as part-time. The expected number of hours worked will be established by CCMH based on departmental staffing needs and the agreed-upon employment arrangement.
• Work schedules may vary according to patient census, acuity, departmental coverage requirements, and operational needs.
• Scheduled shifts may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as applicable to the established schedule.
• The position may require participation in on-call coverage or additional shifts when specifically assigned or agreed upon in accordance with departmental policy.
• The employee is expected to arrive on time, complete assigned responsibilities, and communicate with the appropriate supervisor regarding scheduling concerns or availability.
• Additional hours may be offered or required as permitted by applicable law, organizational policy, and the terms of the employment arrangement. Part-time status does not eliminate eligibility for overtime pay when required by applicable law.
• The employee must maintain the clinical competency and readiness necessary to perform assigned duties safely, including required education, training, and competency validation.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

• Works scheduled shifts based on part-time staffing needs, which may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and on-call assignments when applicable.
• Frequently stands and walks throughout the shift.
• Frequently pushes, pulls, and transports respiratory equipment, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, and supply carts.
• Frequently lifts, transfers, or assists with moving patients and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or appropriate equipment as necessary.
• Performs repetitive reaching, bending, kneeling, stooping, twisting, and tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Works in patient care environments with potential exposure to infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, body fluids, hazardous materials, and medical gases.
• Wears required personal protective equipment (PPE) and complies with infection prevention and safety policies.
• Must be able to respond promptly and appropriately during emergencies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and patient transport.
• Requires sufficient vision, hearing, speech, and manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to safely perform essential respiratory care functions.
• May be required to work in stressful or rapidly changing clinical situations while maintaining patient safety and professional standards.

Employment with Cedar County Memorial Hospital is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening, as applicable to the position. Background checks may include verification of employment, education, professional credentials, criminal history, and other job-related information. Drug screening will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and hospital policies.

Cedar County Memorial Hospital reserves the right to withdraw an offer of employment based on information obtained through these screening processes, consistent with applicable law. Candidates will be provided any required notices and opportunities to respond to information obtained during the screening process.