At Mahaska Health a Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for delivering various therapy modalities to patients as ordered by provider or based on an approved protocol for the administration of oxygen, aerosol, or bronchodilator drugs in accordance with the established methods and procedures of Mahaska Health.

• Performs various therapeutic treatments including, but not limited to, aerosolized medications, mucus clearing procedures, endotracheal and nasotracheal suctioning, sputum induction and incentive spirometry.
• Manage ventilators and other diagnostic or monitoring devices.
• Keeps appropriate clinical and clerical patient records.
• Performs patient assessment and education, explaining treatments and procedures to patients.
• Interacts with home health care services, while serving as a resource for other health care professionals and the community.
• Performs various diagnostic procedures including EEG’s, arterial blood gas sampling and analysis, weaning and ventilation studies, continuous, spot check and nocturnal oximetry, pulmonary function studies and end tidal CO2 monitoring.
• Performs cardiac procedures including Holter monitoring and analysis, cardiac stress/echo tests, and event monitoring.
• Sets up and monitors oxygen therapy utilizing oxygen protocol and provider’s orders.
• Sets up, performs, checks on and troubleshoots adult mechanical ventilators, adult CPAP/BIPAP systems and arterial lines.
• Assists with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation, extubating, trauma care, code team, transporting of patient in house and provides respiratory support during critical procedures.
• Assess possible discharge needs at time of admission, throughout hospitalization, and finalize discharge planning with input from the interdisciplinary team, the patient, patient’s family, and other available resources.
• Assist in the mentoring and orientation of new personnel to the unit.
• Uses current system to receive patient orders, perform charges and enter ABG results.
• Implements and documents quality improvement activities to ensure optimum performance in all aspects of the Respiratory care department.
• Monitors and assesses breath sounds and vital signs.
• Maintain positive working relationships with the healthcare team, patient/client, family, and caregivers.

Job Requirements including but not limited to,

• State of Iowa Respiratory Care license required with CRT or RRT credentials.
• A graduate from an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Care.
• Minimum 1-year previous cardiac rehabilitation experience.
• Ability to manage problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change and learn when necessary for efficient department/clinic operations.
• Will be required to show proof of having completed Mandatory Reporter course at the time of hire or attend within 6 months of the start date.
• Required to be current in BLS (Basic Life Support) by the standards of the American Heart Association.
• Must adhere to all training requirements as mandated by Federal, State, and Professional licensure and regulatory standards.