Respiratory Therapist in South Bend, Indiana at Beacon Health System

Respiratory Therapist - New Grads Welcome

$15,000 Sign-On Bonus

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Reports to: Clinical Manager

Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care practitioners, evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures. They are responsible for the proper and safe administration of respiratory care, including intermittent and continuous therapy, blood gas sampling and analysis, mechanical ventilation, airway management, and non-invasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring of neonatal, newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations.

Now Offering:

• $15,000 Sign-on Bonus for eligible new hires
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance to support your financial wellness

Education and Experience

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy or equivalent education required.
• Must be currently registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (or eligible).
• Requires a valid Indiana License as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• New graduates must obtain RRT credential within one year of hire.
• Additional skills validation may allow progression to Level II or III roles.

Mission, Values, and Service Goals

MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Responsibilities

Ensures proper administration of a variety of respiratory treatments by:

• Adhering to physician's orders and established Respiratory Care Protocols.
• Completing and analyzing diagnostic tests and results effectively.
• Determining the most suitable method of administering inhalants and necessary modifications.
• Establishing priorities for patient care/job activities based on acuity of need.
• Explaining treatment and breathing procedures to patients to ensure cooperation.
• Setting up, attaching to patients, operating, and monitoring various types of respiratory equipment, including ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP, and oxygen devices.
• Documenting patient treatment activities and results.
• Maintaining respiratory therapy equipment, including assembly, testing, cleaning, and sterilizing.

Assists physicians with respiratory care by:

• Utilizing established Respiratory Protocols.
• Intubating patients as directed by physicians.
• Performing arterial puncture and correctly operating blood gas equipment.
• Participating in the overall evaluation and care of patients with physicians and other patient care staff.

Meets Pulmonary Services Department education requirements by:

• Assisting with the education of orientees and students.
• Maintaining current status in "invasive procedures" according to department policies.
• Completing all required competencies, CBLs, and yearly skill requirements.
• Meeting all hospital, regulatory, and department training requirements within established timelines.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Attending in-services and department meetings.
• Participating in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Maintaining professional affiliations as appropriate.
• Staying informed on hospital communication, such as department minutes, memos, and emails.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Complies with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols.
• Maintains required certifications, including BCLS (CPR) and other position/department-specific certifications.
• Demonstrates The Beacon Way principles:
  • Leverage innovation everywhere.
  • Cultivate human talent.
  • Embrace performance improvement.
  • Build greatness through accountability.
  • Use information to improve and advance.
  • Communicate clearly and continuously.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of respiratory therapy techniques and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills to assess patient conditions and recommend appropriate therapies.

Working Conditions

• Patient care environment with potential exposure to communicable diseases and radiation.
• Use of chemical solutions for disinfection.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand/walk for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 lbs. and assist patients (over 35 lbs. requires assistance).
• Ability to perform CPR and respond to high-stress situations.