As a Respiratory Therapist Per Diem at Virtua Health, your primary responsibilities include conducting patient assessments, developing and implementing respiratory care plans, and administering treatments and medications as per physician directives. You'll be instrumental in providing both invasive and non-invasive ventilator care, teaching patients and their families about disease processes, and ensuring quality care through accurate documentation in our medical systems.

To be considered for the Respiratory Therapist Per Diem position at Virtua Health, you should have graduated from an AMA-approved Respiratory Care program with an Associate's Degree. Also, you must be registered as a Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care or a Certified Respiratory Therapist with at least 10 years of experience, and possess a current BLS credential.

In the Respiratory Therapist Per Diem position at Virtua Health, you'll be working night shifts designed for part-time employees, typically covering 12-hour shifts. This schedule allows for flexibility while ensuring that our patients receive quality respiratory care around the clock. You'll be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering essential health services during nighttime hours.

Virtua Health encourages continuous professional growth for Respiratory Therapists through various training programs, workshops, and seminars. You'll have access to resources to enhance your skills and stay updated with the latest best practices in respiratory care, ensuring you can provide the highest standard of patient care.

At Virtua Health, as a Respiratory Therapist, you'll play a vital role in community outreach by educating patients and their families about respiratory health. Additionally, your expertise will support initiatives like our Eat Well Food Access Program and various wellness activities, making healthcare accessible and improving overall community health.

When answering this question, reflect on your clinical experiences with both invasive and non-invasive ventilator support. Discuss specific types of ventilators you've operated, any protocols you follow, and any challenges you've faced, emphasizing your troubleshooting skills and ability to adjust patient care based on monitoring data.

It's essential to share your approach to patient education, which could include using clear, simple language, visual aids, and providing written materials. Highlight any instances where you've successfully helped patients understand their condition, treatment plans, or the importance of preventive measures to manage respiratory health effectively.

Think of a real-life scenario where you successfully managed stress in a clinical environment. Discuss your methods for staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining clear communication with your team. It's crucial to convey your ability to perform calmly under pressure while ensuring patient safety and quality of care.

Express your familiarity with performing blood gas analyses and the importance of precision in interpreting results. Explain the protocols you follow for collecting samples, calibrating equipment, and documenting results, emphasizing how accuracy in this area directly impacts patient treatment decisions.

Share a specific example of a patient case where your assessment or intervention made a positive impact. Talk about the steps you took, how you collaborated with other healthcare professionals, and the outcome. This illustrates your commitment to effective patient care and teamwork.

Elaborate on your time management skills by discussing how you prioritize immediate patient needs while also completing administrative tasks. Mention any tools or methods you use to keep organized, and share personal strategies that help you remain efficient throughout your shift.

Discuss your commitment to lifelong learning in respiratory therapy. This could include attending conferences, subscribing to professional journals, completing online courses, or engaging in networking with peers. Show that you are proactive about enhancing your skills and knowledge.

Outline your experience with electronic medical record systems, emphasizing your competencies in documentation. Share how you ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance, as well as how you use EMR to improve patient care and workflow efficiency.

Demonstrate your teamwork skills by describing how you effectively communicate and collaborate with various healthcare professionals. Give examples of how you've engaged in patient care discussions or coordinated efforts with different specialties, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care.

Reflect on what makes the profession meaningful to you. It could be witnessing patients recover, forging relationships with families, or knowing you play a crucial role in their health. Share experiences that have reinforced your passion for respiratory care and patient advocacy.