Internal Traveler - Respiratory Care Practitioner

Full-time

Newport News, VA

Hospitals

About the position

The Respiratory Care Practitioner at Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughter plays a crucial role in providing specialized and routine clinical therapies to the neonatal and pediatric population. This position involves utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and a multidisciplinary approach to deliver care in various settings, including critical care, inpatient, outpatient, and emergency environments. The practitioner is expected to enhance collaboration through effective communication with the care team, patients, family members, and colleagues, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient care. In this role, the Respiratory Care Practitioner will assess patient conditions based on medical history, observations, examinations, physician diagnoses, laboratory findings, and results from specific tests or respiratory functions. They will develop or modify respiratory care plans and make recommendations to physicians regarding appropriate therapies. The practitioner will administer diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate therapeutic responses, including blood gas sampling, oxygen saturation measurements, and inhaled medications. They may also assist with endotracheal intubation and bronchoscopy as needed. The practitioner will respond to respiratory emergencies, such as the transfer of high-risk neonatal patients and cardiopulmonary arrests, while maintaining artificial airways and providing mechanical ventilation. They will also be responsible for transporting patients with artificial airways or mechanical ventilation to facilitate necessary tests and procedures. Patient and caregiver education will be initiated as appropriate, and thorough documentation of all observations related to patient care treatments and responses to therapy will be required. Other duties may be assigned as necessary, contributing to the overall mission of providing high-quality care to patients.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient condition based on medical history, observation, examination, physician's diagnosis, laboratory findings, and other appropriate diagnostic procedures.
• Develop or modify the respiratory care plan and make specific recommendations to physicians regarding indicated therapy.
• Administer appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate therapeutic responses, including blood gas sampling and interpretation, oxygen saturation, and inhaled medications.
• Respond to respiratory and other defined emergencies such as transfer of neonatal high-risk patients and cardiopulmonary arrest.
• Maintain artificial airways and provide mechanical ventilation, including the transport of patients with artificial airways or mechanical ventilation.
• Initiate patient and caregiver teaching as appropriate.
• Complete necessary documentation of all pertinent observations related to patient care treatments and responses to therapy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist from the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• American Heart Association (AHA) certification such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) designation is required and/or must be obtained.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) certification such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) designation is required and/or must be obtained.
• CPR Training required and/or must be obtained within 45 days of hire.
• Associates degree in Respiratory Care is required; Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate detailed clinical observations and evaluations with other members of the healthcare team.
• Analytical skills necessary to assess patient/family needs and prioritize care based on assessments.