Respiratory Therapist - IRF

Kindred Healthcare is seeking a Respiratory Therapist for Mercy Iowa City Rehabilitation Hospital, our new, 40-bed Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) located in Coralville, IA! Our new rehabilitation hospital, in partnership with Mercy Iowa City, is now open and offers specialized programs for people who have experienced stroke, brain and spinal-cord injuries, amputations, complex orthopedic injuries and other conditions requiring inpatient rehabilitative services. Our goal is to help patients achieve their highest level of recovery with a goal of returning home as soon as able.

Our culture of caring for our patients and residents begin with our core values - our employees. We are committed to fostering professional growth and dedicated healthcare teams that make us the provider of choice. We embrace a diverse workforce and understand that hiring outstanding people is the key to providing quality care - and quality care is what we do every day! Interested in a career with Kindred Hospitals , a place where you can put your heart into and make a real difference in our patients' lives?

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Chief Clinical Officer, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician's orders, department policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Job Specific:

• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert to assess possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation. Makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents all pertinent data on the patient's medical record following completion of any service.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks and their proper usage.
• Performs EKGs, types report interpretations, sends reports to physicians who requested them and files reports in department, according to department procedures.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of hazards of oxygen therapy.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Patient's family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients' needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment.
• Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.
• Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including geriatric patients, as well as the general patient population.

Experience/Skills:

• Current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure.
• Graduate of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy.
• Current CPR certification.
• Current Mandatory reporter.
• Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.