Respiratory Therapist - Student

The Respiratory Therapist Student performs and provides respiratory care procedures under medical direction and according to comprehensive care plans for residents in the Kosair Charities Pediatric Convalescent Center as directed by the Manager of Respiratory Therapy in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team and other department disciplines. The Respiratory Therapist Student assesses, treats, and evaluates residents’ respiratory care needs to promote the highest degree of quality care and the mission of the Home of the Innocents. The Respiratory Therapist Student promotes and demonstrates the Core Values of Excellence, Compassion, Wellness, and Empowerment, utilizing the seven Sanctuary commitments to ensure standards of care are maintained in accordance with current federal, state, local, and local standards and facility standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform respiratory care procedures for which the student is competent including but not limited to, the assessment and therapeutic use of medical gases including oxygen, aerosols, and humidification; pharmacologic agents to treat cardiopulmonary disorders, bronchopulmonary hygiene, maintenance of the natural airways; insertion without cutting tissues and maintenance of artificial airways; excluding management of mechanical or physiological ventilatory support, invasive or non-invasive, and blood gas management.
• Collaborate and maintain open communication with Respiratory Therapy leadership, Respiratory Therapists, facility physicians, including Pulmonologists, and the interdisciplinary care team to ensure the comprehensive care plan and physician’s orders are implemented and resident-centered care is documented.
• Facilitate residents’ engagement in enriching and educational opportunities, ensuring residents are safe and able to participate, monitoring residents with respiratory care needs when required.
• Maintain good standing as a Respiratory Therapist Student.
• Complete all facility training and employee health requirements timely.
• Treat and ensure residents, families, team members, and visitors are treated fairly, with respect, confidentiality, regarding all aspects of individual diversity, and inclusion to ensure they are free from abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, reporting concerns immediately.
• Model and exemplify Core Values of Compassion, Wellness, Excellence, and Empowerment, in every interaction, circumstance, and encounter.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and motivational skills to build trauma-informed relationships.
• Must function independently, with flexibility, personal integrity, professionalism, and compassion to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and in various states of crisis.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding or willingness to learn long-term skilled nursing care federal, state, and local regulations, guidelines, and requirements.
• Proficient with current Microsoft Office Suite and related software.

Education and Experience:

• Unencumbered, limited mandatory certification as a Respiratory Therapist Student in Kentucky is required.
• Current CPR/Basic Life Support for the healthcare provider certification is required and provided.
• Understanding of Respiratory Therapy scope of practice requirements, limitations of Respiratory Therapy Students, and a willingness to perform care that maintains the highest quality of care is required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing and frequent movement.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 35 lbs up to 65 lbs unassisted, from the floor using proper body mechanics.
• Must be able to read, write and communicate in the English language.
• Must be able to physically attend and participate in continuing education and training.
• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants, and hazardous chemicals is possible.