Travel Respiratory Therapist
Lake Charles, LA
Wellspring Nurse Source
3x12 hrs, Nights

Job Description

This position is responsible for providing pulmonary care for critical, non-critical, and chronically ill adult and pediatric patients under the direction of a physician, with minimal supervision. The therapist performs patient assessments, institutes respiratory care plans, and executes various technical and diagnostic respiratory therapy procedures throughout the hospital.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergencies (Code Blue and White).
• Administer airway management, including nasotracheal and endotracheal suctioning.
• Deliver aerosolized medications.
• Manage ventilators (setup, operation, and monitoring).
• Provide oral hygiene and maintain airway management devices.
• Oversee oxygen delivery devices and therapeutic monitoring.
• Analyze chest films and perform blood gas collection and analysis.
• Conduct EKG analysis and maintain accurate documentation.
• Clean and stock respiratory equipment and supplies as needed.
• Participate in CAP and JC surveys.
• Potentially function as Shift Leader or Team Leader.

Advanced Practice Skills May Include

• Therapeutic gas management and monitoring.
• Pulmonary Function Testing.
• Assisting in bronchoscopy procedures.
• Conducting hemodynamic monitoring and waveform analysis.
• Performing nocturnal SpO2 evaluations.
• Conducting polysomnography and transport duties.

Requirements

• RT or RCP license in the state of employment is required.
• BLS certification required.
• ACLS certification required.
• PALS certification required.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification by the NBRC required.
• Adult ICU experience is mandatory.
• 1 - 3 years of respiratory therapy experience preferred.
• Critical care experience may allow for consideration of CRTs.

Work Schedule

The shifts include night hours, specifically from 6 PM - 6 AM or 7 PM - 7 AM, and the role requires floating between two facilities.

Additional Requirements

• Every other weekend and holiday availability is required.
• The nurse-to-patient ratio is 5:1 (5 ventilators to one therapist).
• Gray scrubs are required as part of the dress code.