What are the responsibilities and job description for the Respiratory Therapist position at Serenity Oaks Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital?
The Respiratory Therapist (RRT/CRT) at Serenity Oaks IRF provides respiratory assessment, treatment, and monitoring services for rehabilitation inpatients with pulmonary and respiratory conditions as ordered by the attending physician. This clinician delivers evidence-based respiratory care including bronchodilator therapy, airway management, and patient education in a team-based rehabilitation environment. The RRT collaborates with nursing, the IDT, and physicians to support respiratory function and maximize each patient's participation in the intensive rehabilitation program. NOTE: This position will work three 8-hour shifts M-W-F with the opportunity to expand with census needs.
2. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assess patients' respiratory status including auscultation, SpO2, ABG interpretation, and pulmonary function as ordered.
- Administer prescribed respiratory treatments including bronchodilator therapy, nebulized medications, and chest physiotherapy.
- Manage tracheostomies, and artificial airways per physician orders and established protocols.
- Provide oxygen therapy management; titrate O2 delivery systems and monitor patient response.
- Collaborate with the SLP on management of patients with tracheostomies and swallowing concerns.
- Provide patient and family education on respiratory conditions, inhaler use, home oxygen, and airway management.
- Document all respiratory assessments, treatments, and outcomes accurately in the EHR.
- Respond promptly to respiratory emergencies and participate in code response as trained.
- Participate in IDT meetings when respiratory concerns affect rehabilitation participation or discharge planning.
- Maintain and perform quality control checks on respiratory therapy equipment.
- Participate in CIHQ program evaluation and respiratory care quality improvement activities.
3. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Required: Associate degree or higher in Respiratory Care from a CoARC-accredited program.
- Preferred: Three (3) or more years of RT experience in an acute care, ICU, or inpatient rehabilitation setting.
4. LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION & REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
- Required: Current, unrestricted Respiratory Therapist license issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) — Respiratory Care division.
- Required: Current RRT/CRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Required: Current BLS/CPR certification (AHA or Red Cross).
- Required: ACLS certification preferred or required per facility medical staff policy.
- Required: Louisiana RT license verified through LSBME prior to and throughout employment.
5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Expert knowledge of respiratory assessment and airway management.
- Proficiency in bronchodilator therapy, chest PT, and oxygen therapy management.
- Knowledge of COPD, pneumonia, and respiratory complications common in IRF patient populations.
- Ability to respond to respiratory emergencies and participate in code response.
- Effective communication and collaboration with nursing, IDT, and physicians.
- Proficiency with EHR respiratory therapy documentation.
- Knowledge of protocols in respiratory rehabilitation.
- Commitment to patient safety and evidence-based respiratory care.
Expected hours: 24.0 per week
License/Certification:
- RRT credential from the NBRC (Required)
- Respiratory Therapist license in Louisiana (Required)
Work Location: In person