Respiratory Therapist

at  St Jude Childrens Research Hospital

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we are dedicated to providing exceptional respiratory and pulmonary care to our patients. Our team is committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve through compassionate and skilled care. We are currently seeking a dedicated Respiratory Therapist to join our dynamic team.
As a Respiratory Therapist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, you will be responsible for administering respiratory and pulmonary treatments and therapies according to established departmental policies and procedures. You will play a crucial role in evaluating and assessing patient needs, performing arterial blood gas punctures and analysis, and ensuring that treatments are delivered within the timeframes specified in our policies.
This is a day shift position and with some weekends.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:

• Graduation from an accredited school of Respiratory Care and successful completion of requirements established by the National Board for Respiratory Care required

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of respiratory care experience required
• Experience within a pediatric critical care setting preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required.

• Administers respiratory/pulmonary related treatments and therapy according to established departmental policies and procedures within timeframes specified in policies. Accurately assembles respiratory equipment to administer therapeutic gases including oxygen, carbon dioxide oxygen or helium/oxygen ensuring appropriate aerosol or humidity therapy. Administers aerosol and IPPB therapy to effectively deliver medication and aid bronchial hygiene. Performs chest physiotherapy which includes chest percussion and vibration to loosen retained secretions and postural drainage to utilize gravity for removal of secretions. Measures pulmonary mechanics to determine patient’s lung function. Assembles and delivers necessary equipment for oxygen transport to patient and escorts patient if needed. Initiates transcutaneous C02 monitor and evaluates patient status during monitoring.
• Performs EKG’s in the absence of the Cardiology technician. Responds to all Harvey Teams and provides respiratory support including airway management of the patient and arterial blood gas analysis. Initiates and instructs patient on use of Incentive spirometer; and periodically evaluates his progress. Initiates, manages, and maintains mechanical ventilation upon physician’s request while monitoring the patient’s pulmonary status.
• Performs arterial blood gas punctures and analysis. Collects arterial blood gas specimen using aseptic technique in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Introduces specimen into the instrument for analysis ensuring proper technique to prevent air bubbles and clots. Reports results to physician and nurse in a timely manner.
• Performs patient evaluations and assessments. Performs pre and postoperative consults to evaluate patient lung function and makes recommendations for therapy. Monitors and evaluates patient’s respiratory status during special procedures. Informs physician of results of evaluation within timeframe specified in policies.
• Provides in-service education for patients, relatives, nurses, physicians and department personnel.
• Prepares and maintains proper patient and departmental documentation. Documents equipment usage and treatments on departmental records in accordance with department policies and procedures. Documents equipment usage and treatments on the Respiratory Care record in the patient record. Completes charges on a daily basis for submission to supervisor.
• Maintains equipment and supplies. Adheres to Infection Control policies and procedures. Performs quality control according to department guidelines. Performs routine maintenance procedures on all equipment according to set guidelines. Examines inventory and notifies supervisor of equipment and supply needs. Notifies supervisor of equipment repair needs.
• Operates the Laboratory Information System computer. Enters all blood gas orders into the computer and records the accension number. Enters results of all blood gases into the computer then verifies those results.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to any age-related needs of the patients served on the assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development for all ages served. Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age-specific data about the patients status. Identifies the patient’s age-specific needs. Provides age-appropriate care for all ages served. Serves the following age groups: Infants (birth - 1 year), Toddlers (1-3 years), Preschooler (3-5 years), School-age (6-11 years), Adolescent (12-20 years), Young Adult (21-30 years).
• Performs other duties as may be assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution