If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!
We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.
The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for assisting the Supervisor with the day-to-day operations of the Respiratory Care Dept as well as the standard and advanced respiratory care procedures patients suffering from various cardiopulmonary disorders and for performing other examinations and procedures as directed. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.
A Brief OverviewThe Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for assisting the Supervisor with the day-to-day operations of the Respiratory Care Dept as well as the standard and advanced respiratory care procedures patients suffering from various cardiopulmonary disorders and for performing other examinations and procedures as directed. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
What you will do- Performs routine respiratory therapy procedures including IPPB, O2 therapy, and humidity/aerosol therapy on patients in an assigned area.
- Coordinates department operations, subject to review by the Supervisor/Director, including scheduling, patient assignments, monitoring of department activities, and coordinating among other departments to ensure effectiveness of operations and the delivery of patient care.
- Establishes and maintains ventilation and airway care for assigned patients and provides ventilatory support to patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs advanced respiratory care techniques, including but not limited to: invasive pressure monitoring, including ICP, pulmonary artery catheters, cardiac output determinations, administration of Nitric Oxide, and other gases. Assists physician in insertion of catheters as needed. Performs arterial blood gas collection through line draws or punctures.
- Performs patient assessment and reassessment through observation of the patient, clinical data gathering, response to therapy and reports findings accurately making referrals to appropriate disciplines as needed.
- Provides educational development through guidance and teaching and serves as a technical resource person to the patient, patient's family, physician, students and other hospital staff regarding respiratory care procedures.
- Recognizes and reacts appropriately to environmental safety factors and performs preventative and routine maintenance on respiratory care equipment and instruments.
- Participates in departmental/hospital continuous improvement opportunities.
- Performs other job functions as assigned or requested.
Education/Formal Training Requirements- Required - Associates Degree Respiratory Therapy
- Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Respiratory Therapy
- Preferred - Technical Degree or Diploma Respiratory Therapy
Work Experience Requirements- Required - Critical Care 1-3 years
Licenses and Certifications Requirements- Required - BASIC LIFE SUPPORT - American Heart Association
- Required - Registered Respiratory Therapist - National - National Board for Respiratory Care
- Preferred - Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification - American Heart Association
- Preferred - Registered Respiratory Therapist - Mississippi - Mississippi State Department of Health
- Preferred - Registered Respiratory Therapist - Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care
- Preferred - Pediatric Advanced Life Support - American Heart Association
- Preferred - Registered Respiratory Therapist - Arkansas - Arkansas State Medical Board
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Ability to understand and prepare moderately complex written materials, such as patient records.
- Ability to communicate verbally with Associates, physicians, and other outside professionals.
- Prepared by education, training, or experience to work with the age specific populations, preferred.
- Ability to work without close supervision and to exercise independent judgement.
- Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and maintain control of work flow.
- Must have completed competency and skill in intubation and airway management.
Supervision Provided by this Position- There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this job, except that the incumbent may demonstrate various job responsibilities to other Associates or respiratory care students.
Physical Demands- The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
- Must have good balance and coordination.
- The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.
- The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
- Frequent invasive and non-invasive patient contact.
- Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
- Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.
Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.
Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.
