Respiratory Therapist

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

Performs respiratory patient care to include Aerosol Therapy ABGs ETTs Bronchus ECGs CPT Vent Care CPAP/BIPAP therapy and other Respiratory Care Procedures in accordance with all department safety risk management and procedural standards.

• Monitors patients for adverse reaction and takes corrective action.
• Attends high-risk deliveries and C/sections to provide patient care within scope of practice.
• Under direction of a Provider performs activities relating to ventilator/CPAP/Airway management surfactant replacement and all other modalities of respiratory care within scope of practice.
• May be required to perform EEG studies.

Continually evaluates and assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of patients using data acquired from physical examination respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment.

• Determine the effectiveness and/or need for change in the therapy being administered and make recommendations to the physicians and/or Manager regarding treatment.
• Communicates patient assessment to nursing and other staff as appropriate.

Documents all work activity in applicable computer system to include billing charges in accordance with department specific processes.

Participates in the transfer of equipment and supplies to and from other Cardiopulmonary Departments as necessary; cleans assembles and maintains CPS equipment and restocks supplies as needed.

Licensure/Certification

• License to practice as a respiratory care practitioner through the Washington State Department of Health required. 
• Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board of Respiratory Care required (effective 10/1/19).
• Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of date of hire. NOTE: Those hired before March 1 2024 have 12 months to obtain the certification.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP) within 6 months of date of hire.
• Respiratory Therapists currently working in Hyperabic Medicine will attend a Certified Hyperbaric Training course and will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) license within 120 days.
• New hires in Hyperbaric Medicine: Upon completion of the 90-day introductory period will attend the Certified Hyperbaric Training course. Upon completion of the course an additional 480 hours of on-the-job training will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) license.