A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), is a respiratory care practitioner who has successfully completed a training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and who has successfully completed the entry level examination for respiratory therapists administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care Incorporated (South Dakota Legislature,      36-4C-1).

Job Summary: The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for the delivery of optimum quality care for patients at Dunes Surgical Hospital (DSH). The Respiratory therapist plans, coordinates, and oversees respiratory care for patients of all ages in the inpatient and outpatient care areas throughout Dunes Surgical Hospital. May have additional responsibilities as designated by DSH leadership (e.g. CEO, CNO, Director or Manager), which may include, but are not limited to; assisting with patient care, cleaning of equipment, and any other duty as assigned. The practice of a Respiratory Therapist is directed by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP) and is determined be state licensure laws. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Follows policies, protocols, procedures, goals, guidelines, and objectives for respiratory therapy that are driven by evidence-based medicine, expert opinion, and standards of practice.
2. Develops an individualized plan of care based on the interview and assessment, providing routine and intensive care therapy considering the patients age, cognitive, physical abilities, and/or developmental needs. As well as evaluating the appropriateness and effectiveness of therapy.
3. Direct and indirect patient observation and monitoring of signs, symptoms, reactions, general behavior and general physical response to respiratory care and diagnostic interventions.
4. Assesses patients in pre-procedural and post-procedural care areas for treatment of any breathing problems as needed.
5. Monitors patients utilizing sound respiratory therapy and competent knowledge of equipment based on department policies and procedures from patient admission to dismissal.
6. Provides patient and family education (e.g. smoking cessation) to promote knowledge and understanding of disease process, medical therapy, and resources available to assist in the care of the patient.
7. Remains calm and functions as a team member during times of stress and crisis situations.
8. Seeks involvement in activities that promote professional growth and behavior.
9. Actively participates in appropriate committees as assigned.
10. Follows OSHA and other standards for protection against blood borne pathogens.
11. Uses good body mechanics.
12. Follows employee health and other personnel and staffing policies.
13. Performance and collection of diagnostic information includes:
    1. Venipuncture
    2. Collection and interpretation of arterial blood gases and other pertinent laboratory analysis
14. Application of therapeutics to respiratory care include:
    1. Medical gas therapy
    2. Humidity therapy (e.g. application of humidified oxygen therapy)
    3. Aerosol therapy (e.g. nebulizer updraft treatments)
    4. Artificial airway (e.g. oral airway, nasopharyngeal airway, endotracheal tube) insertion, management, removal and care
    5. Airway clearance
    6. Invasive (e.g. ventilator) and non-invasive (e.g. bipap and cpap) mechanical ventilation
15. Informs management of applicable day-to-day situations.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATIONAL AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Graduate of an NLN accredited school of respiratory care.
2. Current licensure and registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in the state of residence is required.
3. At least one year of PACU/Intensive Care or other acute respiratory care experience in the last 3-5 years preferred
4. Strong interpersonal skills beneficial.
5. BCLS/ACLS/PALS certification required
6. Ability to get along well with other people/coworkers/patients.
7. Ability to project a positive team attitude.
8. Steady attendance. Flexibility in schedule.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Will be required to lift patients frequently requiring the ability to lift 40 pounds.
2. Must be able to exert at least 25 pounds of force to assist with patient transports.
3. Frequent standing, bending, and stooping involved.
4. Must possess and demonstrate critical thinking skills.
5. Dexterity: Frequent repetitive motion of hands/wrist involved.
6. Will be working in a clean, well-lighted area.
7. May be required to deal with unpleasant environmental situations resulting from patient care or patient activity.
8. Hazards and Risks: Direct patient contact with possible exposure to communicable diseases, exposure to radiation, anesthetic scavenger gases, and CRT.

USPI'S EDGE™ (Every Day Giving Excellence)

USPI'S EDGE™ is the key to the differentiation of USPI as a customer-focused company.  The process of completing EDGE™ requirements establishes processes and measurements that are collected, assimilated, and shared throughout USPI.  All employees are involved with EDGE™.  The involvement can range from doing their jobs to taking on the role of gathering and/or entering data into the computer.  All employees shall at some time during their employment be required to participate in the EDGE™ program.

HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996

Responsible for knowing the processes involved assuring the standards established by HIPAA, and ensuring they are followed including the practices and records relating to the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information. 

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Dunes Surgical Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About United Surgical Partners International, Inc

United Surgical Partners International (USPI), a subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC), operates the largest ambulatory platform in the country. With more than 465+ facilities across the United States, the company serves patients in ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals. For more information, please visit www.uspi.com. USPI’s mission is simple, but the gravity of it is profound. We care for every patient and their family as if they were our own. Each patient, each family, each and every time.

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