Respiratory Therapist RRT

Description

Join St. Francis-Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women's care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.

Job Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) delivers advanced respiratory care for patients across the lifespan with both acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. The RRT performs critical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, manages mechanical ventilation, and provides emergency respiratory support. The RRT functions as a clinical expert and collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Independently manages ventilator settings based on patient condition, blood gases, and physician direction.
• Performs advanced diagnostics such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, EKG interpretation, and bronchoscopy support.
• Assists with rapid response and code blue interventions.
• Provides age-specific therapy to neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.
• Educates patients and staff regarding respiratory treatments, equipment, and disease management.
• Leads or assists in staff orientation, training, and competency evaluations.
• Maintains documentation of all assessments, therapies, and outcomes in a timely manner.
• Ensures proper disinfection, maintenance, and operation of all respiratory equipment.
• Participates in quality improvement and performance monitoring initiatives.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Advanced clinical knowledge of respiratory pathophysiology, equipment, and treatment protocols.
• Excellent assessment, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Able to function effectively under pressure and during emergencies.
• Proficient with electronic medical record systems and documentation.
• Able to lift and transport up to 50 lbs and work prolonged shifts.
• Demonstrates leadership and mentoring skills.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of a two-year AMA-approved respiratory therapy program leading to RRT eligibility.

Licenses/Certifications

• Current state license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within time frame required by facility policy.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required within time frame required by facility policy.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) required within time frame required by facility policy.

Experience

• Three years of experience in respiratory therapy preferred.
• Demonstrated clinical proficiency in ventilator management, diagnostic testing, and critical care procedures.