Respiratory Therapist

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

Job Summary:
This job is responsible for evaluating, administering, addressing and documenting a variety of respiratory therapy treatments to ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients, with heart and lung abnormalities, in assigned hospital, to include intensive care and the emergency room. Sets up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume and pressure ventilators for critical care patients. Performs routine respiratory therapy treatments such as oxygen, therapeutic aerosols, intermittent positive pressure breathing, incentive spirometer, and airway care to include intubation/estuation and tracheotomy care. Monitors patients for adverse reaction, and takes corrective action based on established procedures. Determines the effectiveness and/or need for change in the therapy being administered and make recommendations to the physicians regarding treatment.

Incumbents are also accountable for providing resuscitation services, participating in various orientations, providing educational/orientation services to students, quality improvement and department projects, providing and maintaining skill levels to reflect the ever-changing procedures and techniques of respiratory care.

Essential Job 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.
• Continually evaluates and assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of patients using data acquired from physical examination, respiratory monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
• 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.

Licensure/Certification:

• License to practice as a respiratory care practitioner through the Washington State Department of Health required.
• Current registration through the National Board of Respiratory Care required.
• Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.
• Current ACLS Certification within 90 days of date of hire.
• Respiratory Therapists currently working in hyperbaric medicine will attend a Certified Hyperbaric Training course within 90 days and will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) within 120 days.
• New hires in Hyperbaric Medicine, upon completion of the 90 day introductory period, will attend the Certified Hyperbaric Training course. After completion of the course, and an additional 480 hours of on-the-job training, will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) license.