SUMMARY:

Provides Respiratory Therapy and related services for patients while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of respiratory therapy and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines. Provides quality patient care including screening and evaluation of patients, development of initial and ongoing treatment plans of care, discharge plan, supervision of assistants and Rehab Techs, and case management responsibilities. Maintains professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation’s commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with facilities and clients. Adheres to all state and federal regulations regarding respiratory therapy.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a respiratory therapy role, preferably in a SNF or acute care setting.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
• Basic Internet navigation skills

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administer and manage respiratory therapy treatments, including CPAP/BiPAP, medical ventilators, and other forms of ventilatory support, according to established protocols.
• Perform routine and emergency tracheostomy care, such as suctioning, tube changes, and stoma care.
• Provide complex pulmonary care, including vest therapy, cough assist, and nebulizer treatments, to enhance resident comfort and pulmonary function.
• Conduct respiratory assessments, monitor resident status, and modify treatment plans based on clinical findings and physician directives.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on respiratory therapy techniques, equipment uses, and safety protocols.
• Maintain and troubleshoot respiratory therapy equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Document all treatments, observations, and resident responses accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Participate in resident care conferences, providing input on respiratory therapy goals and progress.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards, facility policies, and procedures related to respiratory care.
• Assist in the development and implementation of respiratory care protocols and guidelines.
• Stay current with advances in respiratory therapy techniques and equipment through continuing education and training
• This position requires patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a workday/shift. Must be capable of lifting fifty (50) pounds of dead weight alone.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May assist with supervising the work of one or more rehab techs, and/or RT students, following state practice act guidelines by providing consultation and clinical supervision; creating and ensuring treatment plans are executed; and assisting the RDO and DOR with clinical development of RT and rehab techs in the various covered facilities.