Respiratory Therapist I, Certified

At UK St. Claire, our staff is our greatest asset in the mission to create a healthier and more prosperous population. We strive to foster the talent and potential of our employees and prioritize safe working conditions and equal compensation rates to ensure that continual growth is possible. UKSC is a nurturing workplace for all healthcare professionals. We invite you to explore our current job openings and see if our opportunities could be the right fit for you.

Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for administering respiratory therapy care to patients with cardio-pulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities. Performs comprehensive sleep testing and analysis as prescribed by a physician. Implements associated interventions to support patient respiratory and sleep health. Ensures accurate documentation and adherence to clinical protocols. Collaborates with healthcare team members to optimize patient outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Carries out routine and advanced respiratory therapies as ordered by the physician, including oxygen administration, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, ultrasonic therapy, sputum induction, mixed gases, invasive and non-invasive ventilation, and airway management.
• Collects, analyzes, and integrates patient information to assess condition, determine treatment requirements, and establish testing parameters in collaboration with the physician or clinical director.
• Prepares, calibrates, and maintains equipment for therapy and diagnostic procedures, ensuring proper functioning and accurate data collection.
• Applies electrodes and sensors, performs physiologic calibrations, and conducts sleep studies and other diagnostic tests following established protocols if assigned to Sleep Lab.
• Monitors and documents patient physiological responses to therapy and diagnostic procedures, including vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry, and notifies the physician of any adverse reactions.
• Determines the most suitable methods for administering inhalants and therapies, observes necessary precautions, and makes modifications as needed in accordance with physician orders.
• Documents all assessments, therapies, and care provided in the electronic medical record system.
• Prepares equipment and patients for bronchoscopy procedures, assists physicians as needed, processes equipment and specimens, and monitors patients during recovery.
• Implements appropriate interventions for patient safety and therapeutic needs, assists in emergency care, and maintains required qualifications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

High school diploma or equivalent and vocational/technical training from an accredited Respiratory program

Experience Requirement

0–2 years of experience in a healthcare, clinical setting, or a relevant area

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

All experience must be paid and in the same related field.

Part-time and PRN experience will be prorated based on hours worked per week.

Volunteer work and internships for academic credit are not counted.

Certifications & Licensures

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Basic Life Support (BLS)

Based on area assigned: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Working Conditions

A. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

B. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects over 50lbs: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

C. Standing or walking with objects up to 10lbs: 4. Regular (> 50% of the time)

D. Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

E. Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

F. Risk of back injury from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

G. Repetitive motion: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

H. Working at heights above 4 feet: 1. Never

I. Working in confined spaces: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

J. Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

K. Job-related travel: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

L. Loud noises: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

M. Temperature extremes: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

N. Hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

O. Radiation: 1. Never

P. Burns: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

Q. Cuts/Punctures: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

R. Bloodborne/airborne pathogens: 3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)

S. Recombinant DNA or viral vectors: 1. Never

T. Combative/violent people: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time)

U. Animal handling (including carcasses): 1. Never

V. Please specify other(s) and amount of exposure (i.e. Occasional, Intermittent or Regular): N/A

Physical Demands

This position requires regular standing or walking with objects weighing up to 10 pounds; intermittent lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; intermittent standing or walking with objects up to 25 pounds; intermittent risk of back injury from moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and intermittent repetitive motion. It also occasionally requires lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects over 50 pounds, sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time, working in confined spaces, and exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste, burns, cuts/punctures, and bloodborne or airborne pathogens.

Additional Job Descriptions

N/A

Department

Respiratory Therapy

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Address

222 Medical Circle

City, State

Morehead, Kentucky