Respiratory Therapist - Massena Hospital

SUMMARY:

Assists the Director of Respiratory Services and other hospital personnel in assuring continuity of quality respiratory care. The therapist is called on to use their knowledge to assess patients and assists in developing appropriate care plans. Respiratory staff will address adverse reactions to therapy or medications. Staff will address all patient respiratory needs including respiratory distress or failure and utilize skills, initiative and independent judgement to assist in critical situations. Authorized to accept verbal and telephone orders from physicians for respiratory care. Responsible to assure that quality respiratory care is delivered to all patients as per orders and/or schedule. Staff performs all aspects of Respiratory Care in accordance to department policies and procedures. Staff may plan and provide Respiratory Care in-service programs to hospital staff as needed. Staff must be flexible with their schedule and may be required to work variable shifts, weekends and holidays.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews and evaluates existing data in the patient record including patient history, physical exam, current vital signs, admission and current respiratory care orders for each patient assigned.

• Reviews and evaluates other pertinent data, such as blood gas and other laboratory results, hemodynamic monitoring, electrocardiogram, and radiology study reports, specific to each patient assigned.

• Advises providers on appropriate respiratory care procedure and techniques for a given patient care situation.

• Selects, assembles, and checks respiratory care equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness.

• Recommends, conducts and documents prescribed therapeutic procedure of all types, including medication administration, airway care, bronchial hygiene, oxygen and aerosol therapy, ventilator initiation, management and extubation procedure.

• Monitors and documents all pertinent clinical parameters and assessments on all assigned patients according to departmental policies and procedures.

• Modifies treatment techniques based on patient response.

• Provides and documents patient education for therapeutic procedures performed.

• Initiates and updates respiratory care plan for all patients per department policy and procedure as applicable.

• Works collaboratively with other members of the health care team to implement the plan of care, to include accepting physician orders.

• Maintains ACLS certification and initiates optimum emergency resuscitation procedures.

• Communicates information regarding patient’s clinical status to appropriate members of health care team according to departmental policies and procedures.

• Participates in the instruction and orientation of Respiratory Care team members, students, and other allied health professionals in methods of administration of respiratory care.

• May be required to go on patient transports, in house, as well as, to other facilities.

• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of American Medical Association approved two-year Respiratory school.

• Current NYS Respiratory Therapist or Certified Respiratory Technician license from NYS Department of Education

• Current AHA BLS certification at hire

• AHA ACLS, PALS and NRP must be obtained within 6 months of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree in Respiratory Care

• RPFT qualification

• CCRP certification Clinical experience in general respiratory therapies

• Critical and emergent respiratory therapies as one would receive in an approved two-year school.