Registered Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Care Svcs

Lakeland Regional Health is a leading medical center located in Central Florida. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have been dedicated to serving our community with excellence in healthcare. As the only Provisional Level 1 Trauma center for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, and the second busiest Emergency Department in the US, we are committed to providing high-quality care to our diverse patient population. Our facility is licensed for 910 beds and handles over 200,000 emergency room visits annually, along with 49,000 inpatient admissions, 21,000 surgical cases, 4,000 births, and 101,000 outpatient visits.

Provides comprehensive respiratory care under the direction/delegation of the physician in accordance with the Florida Respiratory Care Practice Act; delivers safe and effective care in compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

• Contributes to the comprehensive patient care plan based on identified patient problems/needs and assists in the evaluation of the overall effectiveness. Determines respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physician and by physicians' orders. Assesses patient's condition, reviews and considers patient's medical history in the plan development.
• Administers respiratory treatments and evaluates patient's physiological responses to therapy by monitoring vital signs, arterial blood gases and blood chemistry. Consults physician if adverse reactions occur; collaborates with RN, MD; recommends adjustments and modifications to treatment plan as appropriate. Reports pertinent observations to RN, physician and supervisor.
• Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
• Performs arterial punctures for the purpose of blood gas analysis; runs arterial blood gas test; reviews results and reports abnormal values to physician.
• Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
• Responds to emergent situations and provides emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.

Essential:

• Demonstrate required competencies for safe patient care, including age specific competencies
• Read and implement physician orders
• Accurately calculate medication dosages
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
Critical thinking and judgment skills

Essential:

Essential:

Essential:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Other information:

Licenses Essential: Current license as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in the state of Florida.

Certification Essential: Registered Therapist (RRT); certifications per department or hospital requirements and relevant policies. ACLS, BCLS

Certifications Preferred: PALS, Certifications per department or hospital requirements and relevant policies