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Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Work Shift:

THIS IS A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT POSITION

Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

Provides invasive and non-invasive respiratory care under minimal and indirect supervision.  Under the supervision of a physician evaluates cardiopulmonary function, treats cardiopulmonary impairment, assesses treatment effectiveness, and cares for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system, using professional judgment of a highly complex and technical nature, to make independent decisions.  Provides patient care to neonate, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, generally in ICU areas as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs the following treatments according to physician orders and/or per protocols.
• Explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response.
• Documents patient assessment and therapy performed.
• Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals, including: aerosol therapy, postural drainage and percussion, incentive spirometry, metered dose Inhalers and all other treatment modalities.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of patient airway, including use of ETT's, trachs, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways. Able to maintain humidification of airways, aspirate secretions, extubate, maintenance of correct ETT/trach cuff pressures and document procedures in patient and department records.
• Performs prescribed therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to achieve and/or document adequate oxygenation including all methods of metering, analyzing and administering gases.
• Obtains and analyzes blood gases via radial, brachial, and capillary artery punctures and/or by line draws.  Record and report results, and perform quality controls as required.
• Accepts and transcribes physician’s orders according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Selects, assembles, monitors and evaluates mechanical ventilators for proper function, operation, including correction of malfunctions, cleanliness, and determines appropriateness of use for patient condition. 
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to achieve and measure adequacy of ventilation and oxygenation such as measuring lung volumes, O2/ PEEP/CPAP, modes of ventilation and their affects on the patient. 
• Demonstrates mastery of protocols and/or physician orders for ventilator weaning.
• Initiates, performs and modifies respiratory care techniques in pre-emergency situations, including non-invasive mechanical ventilation and modification of ventilators, gas delivery systems and airway management techniques, working independently until physician arrives.  Performs CPR, including closed chest compression’s and airway management techniques in accordance with the AHA, ACLS, PALS, NRP protocols or as directed by a physician.
• Assists physician performing procedures such as bronchoscopy, tracheostomy, intubation and invasive monitoring.
• Provides clinical instruction, direction and in-service training to department staff, physicians, patients and students in allied health fields including training and supervision of Respiratory Therapy students. 
• May be a preceptor for employees with direct responsibility of maintaining preceptor requirements as well as completing appropriate documentation.
• May fill in as a Team Leader or Charge Therapist.  Accepts responsibility of assigning work to others, and facilitating in the daily duties throughout the entire shift.
• Maintains instructor status in one or more of the following, NRP, ACLS, PALS, and BLS.
• Adheres to the standards and policies of the Corporate Responsibility Program, including the duty to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and reporting to designated Manager (or employer hotline) any suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful acts or practices.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Must maintain Healthcare Provider Status in Basic Life Support through the American Heart Association or its affiliate. (Required)

Must hold and maintain an active license to practice Respiratory Care in the State of Ohio.  Must be registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care. (Required)

Education
Successful completion of the requirements of an educational program in Respiratory Therapy as approved by the Ohio Respiratory Care Board. 

Work Experience
One year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist in such areas as emergency airway management, extubation, tracheotomies, and naso- and oro-pharyngeal airways. (Required)

Training
None

Language
None

Patient Population
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
Neonates (0-4 weeks)
Infant (1-12 months)
Pediatrics (1-12 years)
Adolescents (13-17 years)
Adults (18-64 years)
Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions
Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights
May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids*
May have periods of constant interruptions

*Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Mercy Health associate, you’re part of a Misson that matters. We support your well-being – personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way. 

What we offer
•    Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
•    Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
•    Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
•    Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
 

Department:

It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you’d like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health– Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.