Respiratory Therapist

Per diem rate: $42/hr plus any applicable shift differential.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs safe respiratory therapy modalities as ordered by physician, developing a plan of care based on assessment data and standards of care, identifying needs for alternative action in the plan of treatment and involves the multi-disciplinary team in revisions to plan of care. Sets up, maintains and monitors mechanical ventilation according to policy and procedure. Administers medications demonstrating thorough knowledge of policy and procedure. Assembles, selects, operates, and cleans respiratory equipment for proper and appropriate function. This includes but is not limited to mechanical ventilators, BIPAP/CPAP and High Flow systems, oxygen delivery devices and oxygen analyzers, manual resuscitators, and suctioning equipment. Performs tracheal, endotracheal, and nasopharyngeal suctioning including the instillation of pharmacologic agents according to policy and procedure. Draws blood gases and runs samples through the iStat point of care device to process results, all following policy and procedure. Interprets arterial blood gas and oximetry results and reports critical values to the ordering provider. Differentiates between patient and equipment problems and intervenes appropriately. Documents and communicates all patient therapies including concerns during shift.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Graduate of an approved Respiratory Care program. Must provide a copy of diploma or transcript upon hire.
• The candidate must hold the credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) from the National Board of Respiratory Care and a current license from the State of Connecticut to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• A candidate with a CRT credential must obtain the RRT credential from the NBRC within 12 months of employment.
• The candidate will hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and maintain certification as required by the organization.
• Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program Provider (NRP) or Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advance Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable but not required.
• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) certification is desirable but not required.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of one (1) year of skilled respiratory experience within the last two years.
• Must be able to work well and efficiently independently and with others in a fast paced acute patient care environment.

COMPETENCIES:

• Must possess a strong focus on customer service and the ability to exhibit patience and empathy while providing care to a culturally diverse group of patients.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write using the English language.
• Effective verbal communication is essential with patients, co-workers, and physicians.
• Effective written communication is required for accurate medical charting of respiratory services provided and concurrently clear and precise medical billing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position. These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.

• Performs all respiratory care services according to physicians order demonstrating a good working knowledge of departmental policy and procedure and the ability to make appropriate decisions based on these policies and procedures as evidenced by direct observation.

• Verifies provider orders and performs patient assessment prior to initiation of all respiratory therapy and as part of the reorder evaluation according to departmental policy and procedure.

• Demonstrates knowledge of principles, theory and operation of respiratory equipment and monitoring systems in the critical care environment (mechanical ventilators, BIPAP/CPAP machines, High-Flow systems) to all age groups as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.

• Demonstrates proper setup, operation, and monitoring of equipment used for delivery of therapeutic gases (Heliox, bubble CPAP, High-Flow O2, nebulized and humidified O2) as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.

• Performs aerosol therapy (small volume nebulizers, large volume nebulizers, Vix1 nebs, ISO nebs) in accordance with departmental policy and procedure as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.

• Delivers medications safely in accordance with 2-identifier policy and procedure as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation. Responds to adverse effects of medications by proper notification to physician and utilizing the Catalyst reporting system.

• Performs Chest Physio Therapy in accordance with departmental policy and procedure as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.

• Performs proper technique in suctioning (open and closed systems) in age specific populations in accordance with department policy and procedure as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.

• Provide NICU support for setup, maintenance, and breakdown of respiratory equipment, including, but not limited to, bubble CPAP, High-Flow systems, and mechanical ventilators.

• Shows proper skill level setting up cart including labeling of medications/solutions when appropriate and performing Time Out during outpatient and in-patient bronchoscopy procedures as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.

• Demonstrates knowledge of operation and set up of bronchoscopy and monitoring equipment. Provide physician support during bronchoscopy such as, instilling solutions, taking biopsy samples, utilizing brushings per department protocols, handling, labeling, and ordering of samples in EMR from physician order, transport of specimens to lab for processing, and billing/documentation of procedure.

• Demonstrates safe and proper collection, transport and analysis of arterial blood gases as evidenced by successful completion of competencies, including age specific requirements for sampling and testing, and/or direct observation.

• Understands the theory and operation of the point of care blood gas analyzer as evidenced by the ability to assess the accuracy/precision of the instrument utilizing daily maintenance record. Routine trouble shooting and monthly QC.