Respiratory Therapist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Performs respiratory patient care to include Aerosol Therapy ABGs ETTs Bronchus ECGs CPT Vent Care CPAP/BIPAP therapy and other Respiratory Care Procedures in accordance with all department safety risk management and procedural standards.
• Monitors patients for adverse reaction and takes corrective action.
• Attends high-risk deliveries and C/sections to provide patient care within scope of practice.
• Under direction of a Provider performs activities relating to ventilator/CPAP/Airway management surfactant replacement and all other modalities of respiratory care within scope of practice.
• May be required to perform EEG studies.
• Continually evaluates and assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of patients using data acquired from physical examination respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment.
• Determine the effectiveness and/or need for change in the therapy being administered and make recommendations to the physicians and/or Manager regarding treatment.
• Communicates patient assessment to nursing and other staff as appropriate.
• Documents all work activity in applicable computer system to include billing charges in accordance with department specific processes.
• Participates in the transfer of equipment and supplies to and from other Cardiopulmonary Departments as necessary; cleans assembles and maintains CPS equipment and restocks supplies as needed.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Requires graduation from an approved school of Respiratory Therapy and one (1) year recent clinical experience in Respiratory Care that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities.  Work experience in the specialty area is preferred.

Job Knowledge/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the practices standards techniques and tools/equipment applicable to basic and advanced respiratory patient care including critical care oxygen therapy chest physiotherapy IS CPR aerosol therapy ECG’s arterial blood gas analysis patient assessment and airway management.
• Knowledge of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health patient care standards and practices legal issues and general regulatory requirements applicable to respiratory therapy as conducted within designated scope of authority.
• Knowledge of proper body mechanics proper posture repetitive relief measures and static posture relief measures.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively perform respiratory patient care therapies protocols and other procedures.
• Ability to convey information effectively in verbal and written communications.
• Ability to perform visual inspection of equipment condition and operation assemble small parts and read measuring devices.
• Ability to read understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position.

Licensure/Certification

• License to practice as a respiratory care practitioner through the Washington State Department of Health required. 
• Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board of Respiratory Care required (effective 10/1/19).  
• Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification within six (6) months of date of hire.  
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of date of hire.  NOTE:  Those hired before March 1 2024 have 12 months to obtain the certification.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP) within 6 months of date of hire.
• Respiratory Therapists currently working in Hyperabic Medicine will attend a Certified Hyperbaric Training course and will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) license within 120 days.
• New hires in Hyperbaric Medicine:  Upon completion of the 90-day introductory period will attend the Certified Hyperbaric Training course.  Upon completion of the course an additional 480 hours of on-the-job training will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) license.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.