Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Grand Junction, Colorado
Saint Mary's Hospital & Regional Medical Center

Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Overview

• Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
• Employment type: Clinical, non-nursing
• Contract length: 13 weeks
• Shift: 3 x 12-hour day shifts, 0700-1930
• Hours: 12 hours per day, 36 hours per week

Role Summary

Provides advanced-level respiratory care to diagnose, evaluate, treat, manage, and control deficiencies or abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system, within the prescription of the ordering physician. Acts as a resource to CRT staff and may take on special clinical projects or assignments as directed by leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic testing according to protocol, including arterial blood gases
• Oversee and troubleshoot equipment for optimal patient care
• Initiate respiratory protocols and interventions based on patient assessments
• Administer medications safely and evaluate their effects
• Communicate patient status with physicians, nurses, and other departments
• Educate patients and families on health promotion, wellness, and self-care techniques
• Complete documentation to departmental standards, including productivity information
• Monitor supplies and equipment, and notify the appropriate person when supplies are low or equipment is broken
• Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and research activities
• Mentor staff and promote the profession of respiratory care
• May float to other departments within scope of competency and qualifications, based on business need
• May be required to be on call during a regularly scheduled shift
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Valid license as a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
• At least 1 year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist, with experience within the last year
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association

Required Skills

• Respiratory therapy
• Patient education and patient care delivery
• Life support and care planning
• Critical thinking and documentation
• Quality improvement
• Following protocols