CATT Respiratory Therapist (Sign-on Available)

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

19h

About The Position

The CATT Respiratory Therapist should demonstrate advanced competency in the care and management of patients with tracheostomies and complex surgical airways. This includes:
Suctioning procedures including nasal, oral, and endotracheal suctioning
Comprehensive tracheostomy care, including stoma assessment, cleaning, dressing changes, and inner cannula care
Tracheostomy tube changes and management of established surgical airways
Airway patency assessment and secretion management
Identification and early intervention for airway complications such as obstruction, displacement, or infection

Requirements

• Associate's Degree A.A.S. Graduate of accredited program in respiratory care
• (RRT) REG RESPIRATORY THER License by the Texas Medical Board, Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• (NRP) NEONATAL RESUSCITATION if required to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of three (3) years of clinical experience in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Coronary Care Unit (CCU), or in environments routinely managing tracheostomy-dependent patients
• Demonstrated experience caring for patients with chronic tracheostomies, laryngectomy stomas, or complex surgical airways
• Experience managing mechanically ventilated patients and advanced respiratory support modalities
• This position is intended to be a highly specialized role, with a preference of greater than three years of direct experience with tracheostomy care or difficult airway management.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical procedures and operates equipment with a high level of expertise.
• Maintains knowledge of infrequently used equipment and ordered patient therapeutics.
• Administers therapy according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates decision-making skills in patient assessment and care plan design based on desired outcomes of therapy, clinical data, consultation with physicians and progress of the patient.
• Assesses patient and family's knowledge deficit regarding Cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, therapeutic procedures, respiratory drug interactions or contraindications, smoking cessation.
• Adheres to department administrative procedures of error free patient charge entry, timely and concise SBAR shift report, accurate documentation and accurate EMR order management.
• Demonstrates activities consistent with the financial objectives of the department in the use of disposable supplies and equipment change out.
• Assumes and performs charge therapist duties when assigned according to departmental policies. If not charge therapist, then reports all relative patient care and equipment issues to charge therapist. Request assistance from the charge therapist when appropriate.
• Demonstrates engagement by attending and participating in 90%25 of all department and town hall meetings.
• Fosters teamwork by treating all staff fairly, facilitating 2-way communication and having a collaborative attitude.
• Adheres to hospital and department attendance policies, including self-scheduling, vacation and holiday rotation policy.
• Takes responsibility for maintain supplies and equipment in all areas of the hospital; takes responsibility for reporting and follow through to biomedical on equipment in need of repair.
• Actively participates in Quality Assurance departmental activities and objectives.
• On one's own initiative, assists in writing procedures or giving in-services recognized as necessary by the individual.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100%25 coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree