With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation's top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.Responsible for the implementation and coordination of respiratory care based on the policies and procedures of the Respiratory Care Department. This position will also perform support activities such as setting up and operating various types of respiratory disease and/or illness. This position is responsible for providing efficient, quality-oriented patient care activities and interdisciplinary team activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patients.JOB RESPONSIBILITIESEvaluates and assesses patient needs for respiratory therapy and performs complex respiratory therapy procedures to ensure successful outcomes of the patient care plan.Interacts with patients daily, actively participating in their recovery plan.Work in collaboration with other respiratory therapist, RN's, physicians, and other team members to collect data for the patient care plan.Performs all respiratory treatment modalities, ventilator management, pulmonary mechanics, arterial blood gas procurement and analysis.Sets-up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, gas administration, aerosol generators, inhalants and other respiratory therapy devices.Utilize clinical skills including bronchoscopy, mechanical ventilation, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary hygiene, and artificial airway maintenance.Clean and disinfect non-disposable respiratory equipment, as well as stocking equipment in all units.Perform and analyze ABG, EKG, and Capnography according to policy and procedure, and recommend changes in treatment as appropriate.Perform DPS pacing sessions according to policy and procedure, and properly monitor patient before, during and after pacing sessions.Collaborate and support the plan of care as established by the interdisciplinary team and prescribe interventions to attain the expected outcomes.Evaluate the patient's progress toward attainment of the outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.Actively educate patients and family members in disease process, treatment modalities, medications, etc. on an ongoing basis and as assigned.Prepare and maintain a record of observations and care given. Document information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.Perform consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.Practice proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.Actively participate in center-wide efforts that affect respiratory practice.Adhere to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).Establish relationships with other respiratory therapists.Monitor and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identify potential risk areas within area of responsibility and support problem resolution process.Perform other duties as required/requested/assigned.REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATIONSuccessful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.Certified Respiratory Technician (CRT).Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATIONBLS required.ACLS certification required six (6) months of start date.Active Georgia Respiratory Care Licensure.REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCETwo (2) years recent clinical experience preferred.REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLSBasic computer skills.Working knowledge of all treatment and therapeutic patient care devices used by respiratory staff.Display knowledge of growth, development and the ability to obtain, interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent, adult and geriatric).Demonstrate competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.Assess patients and family needs and coordinate appropriate nursing plan of care.Take responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.Communicate effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.Will adapt to changing work demands and work environment.Demonstrate critical thinking skills and make sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.Maintain congenial working relationships with RNs and others.Complete orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.Complete mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSPrevious experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or behavioral health preferred.PHYSICAL DEMANDSUses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgment with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 35 lbs.WORKING CONDITIONSNormal patient care environment.Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.#J-18808-Ljbffr
