Description

Respiratory Therapist evaluates, treats, tests and provides high quality professional care to patients of all spiritual ages and lifestyles (cultures) with pulmonary and/or cardiac difficulties.  Respiratory Therapist requires minimal supervision and practices under the guidance of a physician.

•  Provides respiratory therapy to patients as prescribed, according to established standards of practice including but not limited to: Aerosol Treatments, Oxygen Therapy, Pulse Oximetry, Arterial Blood Gases, Pulmonary Function Testing, Stress Testing, Holter Monitoring etc.
• Complete respiratory assessment in a timely manner as indicated by criteria (within 24 hours of admit).
• Schedule therapy, set up equipment, obtain medication and administer treatments as ordered according to patient age, observes and assess patients during rounds and makes suggestions to the physician as needed.
• Check equipment and make necessary adjustment, calibrate equipment, maintain quality control and demonstrate problem solving ability in operation of equipment, and clean the machine (i.e. Pulse Oximeter, Ventilator, CPAP, BiPAP, Blood Gas Machines, and other equipment used to maintain or monitor the patient’s respiratory status). 
• Coordinates with the physician in establishment and maintenance of an airway in cases cardiac or respiratory arrest. Initiate, maintain and monitor patients on continuous ventilation, BiPAP, and/or CPAP.
• Perform arterial sticks to obtain blood samples on different aged patients, run the blood through the blood gas machine and co-oximeter, and report results with suggestions to the doctor.
• Documents appropriately on patient’s record using the computer with pertinent data related to assessment, interventions and evaluations.  Maintain appropriate charge for the procedures performed.
• Identifies educational needs of the patient and/or family.  Provides education as needed related to respiratory therapy and evaluates the effectiveness of their teaching, with patient teaching documented on the patient’s flow chart and adjusted for the patient’s age.
• Provides cardiology services such as EKG’s, Stress Testing, Holter Monitoring, is able to adjust to meet the patients’ needs for their age and culture.  Is able to maintain, check and troubleshoot the equipment.
• Presents a positive image of the hospital.  Adheres to time and attendance policies providing proper notification of absence and tardiness.  Demonstrates flexibility with regard to work schedule and assignments.  Carries out assignments in a timely manner with little need for direction.  Displays a willingness to learn from each situation.
• Consults and works cooperatively with members of the healthcare team.  Assess the need of co-workers and offers assistance.  Responds quickly to requests for assistance.  Willingly accepts additional responsibility.  Appropriately seeks assistance and guidance from peers, supervisors and medical staff. 
• Implements respiratory care in accordance with established policies and procedures adapting techniques to meet the individual needs of a pediatric, neonatal, infant, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients of diverse spiritual origins.

Requirements

Required:

• Associates Degree from an accredited school of Respiratory Care
• Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners as a Licensed Respiratory Therapist. Registered with the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification

Preferred:

• 2 years experience in an Acute Care setting, covering Acute, Swing, Hospice, Cardiopulmonary, Out Patient Services, and ER.

Summary

Thank you for your interest in joining our hospital family. St. James Parish Hospital is centrally located directly between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Our beautiful facility is a community hospital that serves the River Parishes—known for great food, big families, and a vibrant history. We invite you to learn more about our hospital, family-like culture, and amazing benefits. Follow us on Facebook to stay connected and learn about future career opportunities.  

Work Schedule: Full Time - Nights