Registered Respiratory Therapist II
MUSC Health
Summary
The Respiratory Therapist at MUSC Midlands provides advanced respiratory care to patients with a variety of respiratory conditions. This role involves performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments, and working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans. The Respiratory Therapist ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients of all ages.
Job description
Job Description Summary
The Respiratory Therapist at MUSC Midlands provides advanced respiratory care to patients with a variety of respiratory conditions. This role involves performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments, and working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans. The Respiratory Therapist ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients of all ages.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Care
- Conduct thorough assessments of patients' respiratory conditions through physical examinations and diagnostic tests.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and physician directives.
- Administer respiratory therapies, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and mechanical ventilation.
- Monitor and adjust ventilator settings and other respiratory support devices as needed.
Diagnostic Testing
- Perform pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and efficiency.
- Conduct arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to evaluate oxygenation and acid-base balance.
- Utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to identify and monitor respiratory disorders.
Emergency and Critical Care
- Provide respiratory support in emergency situations, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced airway management.
- Participate in the care of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), ensuring optimal respiratory function and support.
- Assist in the transport of critically ill patients, maintaining stability during transfers.
Education and Training
- Educate patients and their families on respiratory care techniques, equipment usage, and disease management.
- Provide training and support to nursing staff and other healthcare professionals on respiratory care practices and procedures.
- Stay current with the latest advancements in respiratory care through continuing education and professional development.
Compliance and Safety
- Adhere to all MUSC Midlands policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations related to respiratory care.
- Follow infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for patients and staff.
- Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of respiratory equipment.
Requirements
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program
- Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist in a clinical setting
- Current state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred
- Experience in critical care or emergency care settings is preferred
- Strong clinical skills and knowledge of respiratory care procedures and equipment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
- Graduate of an NRBC approved Respiratory Therapy program
- Associate degree in Respiratory Care from a CoARC accredited program required
- A minimum of 1 year of acute respiratory therapy experience required
- South Carolina Respiratory Care License
- ACLS required (Adult), PALS and NRP required (Pediatrics)
- AARC membership preferred
Company overview
MUSC Health is the healthcare system of the Medical University of South Carolina, serving as the state's premier academic medical center and comprehensive healthcare provider. Founded in 1824 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, MUSC Health operates 14 hospitals with approximately 2,500 beds and has five additional hospital locations in development. The organization provides patient care through more than 350 telehealth sites and nearly 750 care locations across all regions of South Carolina, serving 46 counties throughout the state. For 11 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked MUSC Health as the number one hospital in South Carolina, reflecting its commitment to clinical excellence and patient safety. As an integrated academic health system, MUSC Health combines clinical care with medical education and research, training more than 900 residents and fellows annually while conducting groundbreaking research with $360 million in research funding and 1,268 active clinical trials. The organization employs over 10,000 team members and handles approximately 3.21 million patient encounters each year, delivering specialized services in cancer care, cardiac services, digestive health, women's health, and numerous other medical specialties through its Hollings Cancer Center and other specialized institutes.