Status:  Full Time

Shift:     1800-0630 Every other weekend. We will orient and train to NICU if you don't have experience Accepting CRT or RRT. NRP can be acquired through North Oaks

Exempt: No 

Summary:

The Respiratory Therapist is to initiate, administer, and monitor all respiratory therapeutic and diagnostic procedures according to the established policies and procedures of the NICU, department and North Oaks Health System. The responsibilities below will be performed in a manner which will promote and maintain a positive community and professional image for the department and hospital.The responsibilities will be performed with an attitude supportive to change. All employees will be expected to contribute to and participate, when requested, in the Health System’s Quality Improvement Program. Therapist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on the assigned unit. Each of the responsibilities will be accomplished in a safe manner that will prevent injury to the employee or others.

Other information:

Education:
Must be a graduate of an AMA approved program in respiratory therapy.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:
Current Louisiana license as a Respiratory Therapist.
A Credential LRT-R (Registered Respiratory Therapist) must maintain an active status with the NBRC (National Board of Respiratory Care). 
Completed BCLS & NRP certification is required.
ACLS, PALS is preferred.

Experience/Skills:
A minimum of 2 years of NICU experience is required.
Requires a high degree of communication abilities. There is extensive need to communicate with patients and families, visitors, physician and nurses.Also with department personnel and other hospital personnel. The candidate must have demonstrated effective communication skills and leadership abilities.

Physical Demands:

Strength: Medium
Push: Occasionally
Pull: Occasionally
Carry: Occasionally
Lift: Occasionally
Sit: Occasionally
Stand: Constantly
Walk: Constantly

Responsibilities:

Provide according to hospital and department policy and procedure:

• Continuous oxygen, humidity, aerosol therapy and RAM cannula.
• Intermittent and continuous aerosol therapy.
• Chest physical therapy.
• Perform Intubations and ET tube change out.
• Surfactant replacement therapy.
• 12 lead EKG’s.

Assure proper function and monitor the following equipment as ordered by the physician:

• Pneumograms – setup and process.
• Pulse oximeter- spot checks and continuous monitoring.
• Transcutaneous monitor.

Respond to all high-risk deliveries according to policy and procedure.

Respond to all CODE BLUES in NICU, NSY, L&D and LDRP.Respond to CODES in all other areas as necessary.

Initiate and manage infant ventilators, oscillators and nitric oxide.

Provide arterial/capillary/POC blood sampling, analysis and reporting results.

Check and maintain code box.

Assist in transports both in and out of NICU.

Equipment:

1. Assure area in adequately stocked.
2. Clean and disinfect all non-disposable equipment used.
3. Initiate corrective action as necessary.

Assist in providing in-service education on Respiratory Care staff, as well as other hospital employees.

Assist with Respiratory Care’s on-going QA program.

Directly responsible for the safety of patients and self during the administration of patient care, in the use and administration of oxygen and other medical gas; for the Department equipment assigned to him/her and indirectly responsible for all Departmental equipment assisting in tracking and monitoring.

Be able to perform work without immediate supervision.

Complete accurate initial assessments of all patients ordered on therapeuticprocedures.

Demonstrates ability to effectively organize and triage work assignments and understand the terminology.

Demonstrates the ability to correctly assess and take appropriate corrective action during emergency situations.

Consult physician for clarification of orders and follows orders as written.

Work with nursing staff to coordinate direct patient care.

Ability to tactfully and effectively communicate with others.

Gives a thorough, concise report at change of shift; within allotted time.

Charge accurately for all procedures performed daily.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Adhere to all NOHS and OSHA safety and infection control policies.

Involves parents in education and planning.

Protects neonates from constant intense stimulation and a noisy, brightly lit environment.

Identifies psychosocial behavior relevant to neonates.

Function with cost containment in mind and compliance with hospital policies and procedures.

Follows North Oaks Health System’s Compliance programs and all Federal and State Regulatory guidelines.