Summary

The Respiratory Therapist II is responsible for medication administration and implementing respiratory care based on expanded knowledge, experience, and the evaluate-and-treat process. The RT II is responsible for delivering patient care in complex, multiple problem-patient care situations. The majority of time is in critical care areas with protocol ventilator management, significant independent decision-making and self direction. In addition, to patient care delivery, the RT II is responsible for patient, family/support system education, coordination of activities, staff development, and professional and self-developmental activities. The RT II is responsible for providing patient care with an understanding and awareness of population specific needs. The RT II addresses the biological, emotional, and developmental, psychosocial, and patient/family education needs when providing care to the patient. Also participates in the education of new employees and others.

Job description

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist II is responsible for medication administration and implementing respiratory care based on expanded knowledge, experience, and the evaluate-and-treat process. The RT II is responsible for delivering patient care in complex, multiple problem-patient care situations. The majority of time is in critical care areas with protocol ventilator management, significant independent decision-making and self direction. In addition, to patient care delivery, the RT II is responsible for patient, family/support system education, coordination of activities, staff development, and professional and self-developmental activities. The RT II is responsible for providing patient care with an understanding and awareness of population specific needs. The RT II addresses the biological, emotional, and developmental, psychosocial, and patient/family education needs when providing care to the patient. Also participates in the education of new employees and others.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Provides Customer Service

Completion of patient care, documentation and education
Team approach to service
Promotes a team spirit and positive work environment
Provides supportive environment for students and staff

Administers Quality Patient Care

Performs patient assessment & assessment for therapy
Collaborates with health care team members in planning patient care
Verifies orders and administers aerosolized medication, bronchial hygiene, volume expansion, oxygen & medical gas therapy
Performs ventilator management, weaning, wave form graphic interpretation; airway management (intubation, extubation, trach tube change and care)
Performs arterial blood gas sampling & analysis
Educates patient and mentors/precepts new employees, students and peers
Location Specific: Assisting in invasive and non-invasive procedures, Cardiac Service procedures, Pulmonary Diagnostic Testing

Provides Safe & Quality Environment

Promotes current and accurate electronic orders, charting and charging
Promotes high level of patient safety (Medication Safety, NPSG, etc)
Promotes Performance Improvement initiatives designed to promote quality care
Promotes evidence based practice
Reviews the revised and new DPPs

Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Requirements

Associates Respiratory Therapy or Bachelors Respiratory Therapy-Preferred
BLS - Basic Life Support or ARC-BLS - Amer Red Cross Basic Life Support or BLS-I - Basic Life Support - Instructor
ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support or ARC-ALS - Amer Red Cross Advanced Life Support or ACLS-I - ACLS - Instructor
PALS - Pediatric Adv Life Support or ARC-PALS - Amer Red Cross Pediatric Advanced Life Support or PALS-I - PALS - Instructor
NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program or ARC-NALS - Amer Red Cross Neonatal Advanced Life Support or NRP-I - NRP - Instructor or NRP-P - NRP-Provisional (180 Days) within 180 Days
NBRC-RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
RCP - Respiratory Care Prof
0-2 yrs clinical experience with minimal 6-months critical care Required
Ability to communicate well, critical thinking skills, establish and maintain working relationships with physicians and other health care professionals, and computer skills including familiarity with databases.
Good customer relation, assessment, and communication skills are a must for this job.

Company overview

Wellstar Health System is one of Georgia's largest and most comprehensive integrated healthcare systems, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Marietta, Georgia. As a non-profit health system, Wellstar operates with a mission to enhance the health and well-being of every person it serves through its PeopleCare approach. The system employs approximately 29,469 to 33,000 team members across multiple hospitals, health parks, medical offices, outpatient centers, pediatric centers, nursing facilities, and hospice and home care services. Wellstar is nationally recognized for operating Georgia's largest integrated trauma network and features the second-largest Emergency Department in the United States. The organization provides more than $1 billion annually in charity care and community programs, demonstrating its commitment to community health. Wellstar has earned numerous accolades including recognition on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For, Best Workplaces in Health Care, and PEOPLE Companies that Care lists. The system embraces innovation through its venture firm Catalyst by Wellstar, which nurtures early-stage healthcare companies, and maintains academic partnerships with institutions like the Medical College of Georgia for caregiver training. With specialties spanning cardiovascular care, oncology, women's health, pediatrics, musculoskeletal services, and numerous other medical disciplines, Wellstar delivers comprehensive healthcare across all stages of life.