Respiratory Therapist - TEMPORARY POSITION - Disaster Shelter Support

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Respiratory Therapist (RT) – TEMPORARY POSITION – Disaster Shelter Support

Location : Emergency Shelter, Monroe County, Georgia and other designated zones as per contract requirements

Employment Type : Temporary / Contract Basis

Essential HealthCare Solutions, LLC, a leading healthcare company servicing national emergency and disaster efforts over the last few years, is looking for a Physician Assistant (PA) interested in disaster relief to deploy to Georgia to assist with disaster efforts rapidly.

Job Summary :

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) will provide comprehensive respiratory care services within the emergency shelter facilities operated under the Georgia Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness program. The RT will work under the supervision of the Charge Nurse and shall perform duties including but not limited to assessment, triage, and assistance based on guests' needs. This position requires adherence to all state and federal regulations within the scope of practice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

1. Patient Care :

• Conduct patient assessments and prioritize respiratory care based on the severity of the condition.
• Administer respiratory therapy treatments, including nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and oxygen therapy.
• Monitor patients' response to therapy and make necessary adjustments.
• Respond to respiratory emergencies and provide immediate medical attention as needed.
• Develop and implement patient care plans related to respiratory issues in consultation with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Educate patients and their families on respiratory care procedures and disease management.

2. Triage & Assessment :

Perform initial and ongoing assessments of patients' respiratory status.

Collect comprehensive health histories with a focus on respiratory conditions.

Conduct diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas analysis and spirometry and analyze results in coordination with attending physicians.

3. Compliance and Quality Assurance :

Ensure compliance with all state and federal healthcare regulations related to respiratory care.

Participate in quality assurance processes to track performance and identify areas for improvement in respiratory care services.

Promptly address and resolve any performance issues or complaints related to respiratory care.

4. Documentation :

Maintain accurate patient records, including medical history, treatment plans, and progress notes related to respiratory care.

Ensure thorough and timely documentation of all respiratory care provided.

Submit reports on patient care activities and outcomes as required by the Department and Prime Contractor.

5. Onboarding and Training :

Attend just-in-time orientation / training provided by the facility representative upon arrival at the assignment.

Keep up to date with current best practices in respiratory care by attending ongoing training and education sessions.

6. Collaboration and Communication :

Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the highest standard of respiratory and overall care.

Communicate patient care plans and changes to appropriate medical staff.

Act as a liaison between patients and physicians, conveying pertinent respiratory-related information to both parties.

7. Shift Assignments :

Work scheduled shifts as determined by the Department's Office of Nursing Representative, which may include 8- or 12-hour shifts.

Be prepared to hold over at the end of the shift if respiratory therapy resources are below minimum mandatory staffing levels until replacement coverage arrives.

Qualifications :

Licensure :

Current, unencumbered License to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the State of Georgia.

Experience :

A minimum of 1 year of respiratory therapy experience.

Skills :

Strong assessment and triage skills specific to respiratory care.

Basic respiratory care skills.

Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs., push and pull objects, and stand for long periods.

Certification :

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements :

Must be able to work in an emergency shelter setting.

Ability to handle high-stress situations and adapt to changing patient needs.

Must be physically able to manage and operate respiratory care equipment as necessary.

Reporting :

Directly reports to the Charge Nurse or designated supervisory staff at the emergency shelter.

Maintain regular communication with the Prime Contractor, Acuity International, and subcontractor, Sterling Medical.

Deliverables :

Ensure timely and accurate submission of all required documentation and reports.

Adhere to the staffing schedule and any amendments therein.

Respond to requests from the Department within the stipulated timeframes.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Salary : $42 / hr.

Essential HealthCare Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer :

We are an Equal Employment / Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.