RRT III

The Respiratory Therapist III is responsible for delivering routine, emergency, and critical cardiopulmonary care under a physician's guidance to patients across all age groups, including neonatal (when applicable), pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. This role requires strict adherence to hospital policies, as well as compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, alongside the standards set by accrediting organizations. The individual will actively engage in providing exceptional customer service and will be accountable for fostering respectful relationships with all stakeholders. Additionally, this position may serve as a lead staff member, overseeing productivity and staff assignments in the absence of a charge therapist.

• Oversees the provision of cardiopulmonary care in line with relevant policies and procedures. Administers timely therapies as per physician directives, ensuring the effectiveness of treatments through ongoing assessment and monitoring of patient progress. Suggests modifications to the respiratory care plan based on medical necessity and completes clinical documentation, including skin assessments and worklist tasks, with meticulous attention to detail, reporting any unusual findings.
• Guides, instructs, and supports patients before, during, and after treatment. Proactively addresses and resolves any adverse side effects. Adjusts therapies in accordance with established protocols and clinical criteria, making recommendations based on pulse oximetry, peak flow measurements, chest x-rays, lab results, and other relevant data to optimize patient outcomes.
• Initiates and manages mechanical ventilation, determining or assisting in the selection of ventilator modes and settings. Reassesses the patient-ventilator interface at least every four hours, responds to alarms, and troubleshoots issues as necessary. Evaluates weaning readiness and facilitates the weaning process, documenting compliance with VAE prevention requirements during each shift. Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and shares findings with the intensivist team.
• Conducts advanced diagnostic and invasive procedures, including the insertion and monitoring of arterial lines, assisting with or performing intubations, tracheostomy tube changes, bedside bronchoscopies, and pulmonary function tests. Ensures thorough clinical documentation of all procedures with a focus on accuracy.
• Collects and analyzes arterial blood gases and performs additional point-of-care testing, such as lactic acid, chemistry, and troponin tests. Adheres to all safety and regulatory protocols in the laboratory, maintaining a high level of accuracy. Reports and documents critical values, making or recommending adjustments in respiratory management based on blood gas results.
• Responds to all hospital emergencies, including Fire Alarms, Code Yellow, Code STEMI, Rapid Response, and Code Blue, ensuring airway management and performing CPR as needed.
• Stays informed about the functionality and safety precautions of all equipment used. Takes the initiative to submit work orders for preventative maintenance or equipment issues.
• Demonstrates the correct procedures for obtaining, charging for, and returning medications and supplies. Assists in maintaining adequate inventory levels at assigned locations to ensure accurate supply management.
• Engages in daily huddles, rounding, and educational activities within the hospital by attending in-services and training sessions necessary for maintaining clinical competency. Completes scheduled computer-based learning and Net competencies, utilizing any clinical downtime effectively to fulfill departmental duties.
• Works independently and may take on charge responsibilities, including performing shift counts and making assignments for the upcoming shift while paying close attention to detail. Anticipates staffing needs for future shifts, monitors productivity, and adjusts staffing levels in response to changes in patient census. Aids staff in prioritizing patient care during high-demand periods and provides resources and guidance to support patient-centered care. Responsible for mentoring students and new hires, imparting time management skills.

Required Education:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory care program

Preferred Experience:

• One year of experience in adult critical care
• One year of experience in a Level II NICU

Required Certifications:

• BLS
• ACLS
• PALS
• NRP

Required License:

• Florida Registered Respiratory Therapist