Respiratory Therapist
Des Moines, IA
Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.-Allied
3x12 hrs, Nights

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Adheres to established policies and procedures of the facility
• Performs focused interviews to identify specific patient needs
• Assess signs and symptoms indicating physiologic and psychosocial changes in the patient’s condition
• Plans for outcomes of care for those patients assigned
• Assists with diagnosing lung or breathing disorders
• Evaluates patients and performs tests and studies when indicated
• Determines appropriate therapy and treatment options in collaboration with physicians
• Analyzes blood and sputum in the lab when applicable
• Manages respiratory/pulmonary equipment and devices
• Educates patients and families about lung diseases and breathing disorders
• Performs interventions according to identified priorities, plan of care, and the hospital policies and patient care outcome standard.
• Adheres to emergency, safety and infection control procedures of the facility
• Promotes and participates in activities to facilitate good interpersonal communications
• Reports changes in the patient’s respiratory status to the Director/Supervisor of Respiratory Care Services, the nurse primarily responsible for the patient, and the physician, as needed, and prior to leaving the facility
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Current Respiratory Therapist Certification or Registration for the state in which he/she practices
• One year of respiratory therapy clinical experience preferred
• Complies with all relevant professional standards of practice
• Participation and completion of Amergis' Competency program when applicable
• Current CPR if applicable
• TB Questionnaire, PPD or chest x-ray if applicable
• Current Health certificate (per contract or state regulation)
• Must meet all federal, state and local requirements
• Successful completion of new hire training as applicable to job site
• Understand patient confidentiality and HIPAA requirements 
• Ability to effectively elicit/provide information to and from appropriate individuals (including, but not limited to, supervisors, co-workers, clients) via strong communication skills; proficiency in the English language is required 
• Computer proficiency required
• Must be at least 18 years of age Compliance & Ethics Expectations