RESPIRATORY THERAPIST (FT)

• Job Location: Mesa, AZ 85203
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $35.61 - $42.46 Hourly
• Job Shift: Day

Under the direction of the Director of Respiratory, the Respiratory Care Practitioner at Phoenix Specialty Hospital provides cardiopulmonary services in accordance with the Arizona Respiratory Care Practice Act (Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32, Chapter 35), Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners rules (Arizona Administrative Code Title 4, Chapter 45), Arizona Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 10 (Health Care Institutions: Licensing), CMS Conditions of Participation, The Joint Commission standards, and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

This position provides direct patient care to adult and geriatric patients, including the administration of pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents and procedures necessary to carry out the treatment, disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, and diagnostic regimens prescribed by a physician.

The Respiratory Care Practitioner manages invasive and non-invasive ventilation, airway care, and oxygen therapy, and works closely with physicians, nursing, and the interdisciplinary team.

Must be able to perform in all patient care and operational areas, with or without reasonable accommodation, and use all mandatory safety devices, procedures, and required Personal Protective Equipment. Must also participate in the Respiratory Protection Program, which may include wearing a respirator.

Assesses patients upon admission and per protocol, identifies patient and family teaching needs, and documents progress throughout the patient's stay.

Develops and updates the respiratory plan of care using knowledge of adult and geriatric needs, reassesses it at least weekly and as condition warrants, and reports changes in patient condition to the physician and nursing staff.

Administers, transcribes, and records medications as ordered in accordance with the Arizona Respiratory Care Practice Act and hospital policy, and researches unfamiliar medications before administration.

Provides bronchial hygiene therapy, including aerosol, MDI, CPT, IPV, and IPPB treatments, and delivers oxygen therapy by trach collar, mask, and nasal cannula as ordered.

Manages and monitors invasive and non-invasive ventilation, including ventilator, BiPAP, and CPAP parameters and alarms, and participates in ventilator weaning as ordered. Provides airway maintenance, tracheostomy care, and endotracheal, nasotracheal, and tracheal suctioning in accordance with hospital policy.

Responds to medical emergencies, including Code Blue, and performs CPR, intubation, tracheostomy changes, and other emergency procedures as trained and competency-validated.

Performs arterial blood gas punctures and analysis, maintains blood gas analyzer quality control to meet regulatory requirements, performs electrocardiograms as applicable, and assists physicians with bedside procedures.

Changes ventilator circuits and therapy supplies per infection control policy, maintains equipment in good working order, and promptly reports equipment problems.

Maintains accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record and respiratory flow sheets, gives shift report reflecting current orders, and ensures accurate daily patient charges.

Participates in interdisciplinary team conferences, provides patient and family education, including discharge teaching, and models standard precautions and infection prevention practices.

Completes all annual mandatory training, competency validation, and certification requirements, and maintains current licensure and certifications without lapse. Pursues continuing education appropriate to the discipline, including continuing education required for license renewal in Arizona.

Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), infection prevention, and patient safety activities; works safely, uses supplies cost-effectively, and promptly reports hazards and injuries. Participates actively in the orientation and on-the-job training of assigned personnel.

Adheres to all Phoenix Specialty Hospital policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, safety rules, The Joint Commission standards, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) health care institution licensing rules, CMS Conditions of Participation, HIPAA, and the requirements of any other regulatory agency.

Works collaboratively with all departments, demonstrates flexibility with changes in census, staffing, and scheduling, and provides service excellence to patients, families, and fellow staff. Demonstrates, supports, and models the mission, vision, values, and code of conduct of Phoenix Specialty Hospital. Willingly performs other duties as assigned or requested by the Director of Respiratory.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) Experience: Acute care or long-term acute care experience, including ventilator management, preferred Licenses/Certificates: Current and valid Arizona Respiratory Care Practitioner license issued by the Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners Current National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credential as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications from the American Heart Association (AHA) Skills: Excellent communication, customer service, organizational, prioritizing, and critical thinking skills; ability to read, write, and speak English