Position Summary
As a Night Shift Registered Respiratory Therapist at Watauga Medical Center, you will be responsible for providing respiratory care services to patients during the night shift hours. You will assess, treat, and monitor patients with respiratory disorders, administer respiratory treatments and medications, and respond to emergencies as part of the healthcare team. Your expertise and dedication will play a critical role in ensuring the highest level of respiratory care for our patients during overnight hours. Key responsibilities include:
- Perform assessments of patients with respiratory disorders, including obtaining patient history, conducting physical examinations, and reviewing diagnostic test results.
- Develop and implement respiratory care plans in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers, tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
- Administer respiratory treatments and medications as prescribed, including oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, chest physiotherapy, and mechanical ventilation.
- Monitor patients' respiratory status and response to therapy, making adjustments to treatment plans as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Provide education and instruction to patients and their families on respiratory care techniques, disease management, and equipment use.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all respiratory therapy interventions, assessments, and patient responses in the electronic medical records system.
- Respond to emergency situations, including code blue calls, airway management, and rapid response team activations, and provide respiratory support as needed.
- Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapy colleagues, to coordinate patient care and promote interdisciplinary communication.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and departmental activities to enhance the delivery of respiratory care services and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including infection control practices and HIPAA regulations.
Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation starts at $25.50 per hour. This position is full-time and eligible for shift differential on top of base rate of pay. Benefits eligible after a 60-day waiting period.
Position Qualifications
Minimum Education
- Graduate of two years accredited Respiratory Therapy program
Experience
- Previous experience of one year in acute care setting preferred
Required Registration/License/Certification
- Registry with the NBRC or registry eligible by the NBRC standards
- Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire.
- ACLS and PALS certification within one year of hire
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Successful completion of training modules in Cardiac Stress Testing, Endotracheal Intubation, Neurology Testing, Pulmonary Function Testing, Blood Gas Lab, Arterial Catheterization, and Electrocardiogram training must be completed during the probationary period
- Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills
- Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of license and certifications and hospital policies and procedures
- Knowledge of the continuum of care provided in the patient care department
- Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians
Physical Demands
- Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
- Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
- Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
- Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day
- Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
- Frequently per hour: bends; squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
- Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
- Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
- Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
- Infrequently per shift: may be exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave
Working Conditions
- Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
- Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
- Exposed to odorous chemicals and specimens
- Exposed to unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
- Handles emergency or crises calls
- Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays)
About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian is the leading healthcare system in the High Country of North Carolina. Committed to building a healthier community and simply "Making Life Better," UNC Health Appalachian offers access to three hospitals, multiple medical offices, and twenty-two outpatient services. UNC Health Appalachian strives to continuously provide all members of the community with access to the best possible medical treatment, illness prevention, research, and wellness education. Visit apprhs.org for more information.
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org
UNC Health Appalachian is committed to equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Discrimination and harassment of any type is prohibited. Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and urine drug screen.
Want to know more? Contact Us!
arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu
