Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Care

Salary Range

The expected base rate for this Glens Falls, New York, United States-based position is $33.00 to $49.50 per hour. Exact rate is determined on a case-by-case basis commensurate with experience level, as well as education and certifications pertaining to each position which may be above the listed job requirements.

The Impact You Can Make

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) performs cardio-pulmonary evaluation, respiratory care, life support and education of the patient, family and public.

The RRT works with in and outpatients of all ages with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system following established protocols or the prescription of a physician. The RRT can perform respiratory care duties in all areas of the hospital.

How You Will Fulfill Your Potential

Responsibilities

Patient Treatment and Therapeutics

• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation; sets up and maintains pediatric tents, selects appropriately sized equipment and oxygen delivery devices for the size and age of the patient.

• Respiratory procedures include hand-held nebulizer therapy, incentive spirometry, pulmonary drainage and medical gas administration.

• Initiates, supports and monitors invasive and non-invasive ventilation devices (including CPAP/BiPAP devices), and high flow oxygen.

• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate spontaneous and artificial ventilation in adults, children and neonates including maintenance of the airway and clearing of broncho-pulmonary secretions.

• Attends all Caesarian sections and high-risk deliveries to provide care to the newborn.

• Initiates, conducts and modifies respiratory therapy techniques in emergency situations (ex. Code Blue/250/White, HICS, Rapid Response Team, PCI), including CPR, for adults, children and newborns.

• Reviews and updates patient's medical record to communicate pertinent assessment, therapy and outcome data and information.

Patient Assessment

• Reviews physician orders for Respiratory medications and procedures.

• Reviews existing data in the patient record and evaluates appropriateness of procedures; makes recommendations for changes. Collects and evaluates clinical information by inspection, auscultation and patient interview.

• Interacts with patients and their families, collaborates with physicians, independent licensed professionals, nurses, and other hospital staff to develop and communicate patient care plans, maintaining a health care team focus at all times.

• Modifies treatment techniques based on the patient's response to respiratory procedures.

• Recommends modifications in the respiratory care plan for treatment and invasive/non-invasive ventilation.

Patient Testing

• Obtains and analyzes arterial blood samples.

• Performs pulse oximetry and capnography.

• Performs EKG and pulmonary function testing, taking into account the individual patient's special or age related needs.

• Evaluates diagnostic tests for changes: Chest X-rays for airway placement, ABGs for oxygenation and ventilation, pulmonary function studies, sleep studies, ventilator weaning parameters, EKG changes and other respiratory related diagnostic tests.

Education and Training

• Explains the disease process, medications, and the goals of therapy to the patient/family.

• Provides educational support for patient/families during delivery of respiratory care services, discharge planning activities, and outpatient procedures. Provides educational support for other health care team members who are involved with patient care.

• Participates in the orientation of new therapists to assure appropriateness and efficiency of educational delivery.

• Participates in the education of students and new employees in related healthcare professions, e. g. Nursing, Pharmacy, and Emergency Medical Technicians.

Safety and Infection Control

• Assembles, adjusts and checks respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.

• Initiates/recommends repair when needed.

• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance and QC on the arterial blood gas machines per manufacturer specifications.

• Recommends technology most appropriate to maximize patient comfort, safety, and special or age related needs and provide effective and appropriate use of technology.

• Follows safety, environmental and infection control policies.

• Maintains established department policies, procedures and objectives.

Professional Development

• Strengthens personal therapeutic knowledge and clinical skills through participation in or presentation of continuing education programs offered through Respiratory Care Services and other related internal or external education programs.

• Attends qualified continuing education programs to maintain a NYS Respiratory Therapist license and national RRT credential.

• Must attend one infant and one adult Respiratory skill lab per year to meet the RT education requirement.

Performance Improvement

• Evaluates quality of respiratory care of assigned patients for the purpose of:

• Necessary modifications and adjustments of the care plan or equipment.

• Collecting specific respiratory care data using Respiratory Care Services defined criteria and instruction to submit for evaluation and review.

• Attends meetings as required and participates on committees as directed.

• Demonstrates regard for the dignity and respect of all patients, family members, visitors and hospital personnel as defined in the philosophy and mission of Glens Falls Hospital.

• Maintains harmonious working relationships and clear communication practices for purposes of continually improving quality patient care.

Education/Accredited Programs

• Graduate with certification of completion from a two year approved training program in Respiratory Care; an Associate’s Degree is required to meet the requirements of the National Board of Respiratory Care to take the RRT exam.

• Minimum of one year of clinical experience as a Respiratory Therapist in an acute care hospital or long-term ventilator facility is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications/Registrations

• Licensed Respiratory Therapist/Technician in accordance with Title VIII of N.Y. State Education Law. Required to obtain a NYS Respiratory Therapist license within 6 months of employment.

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

• Current BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP certification is required with recertification every two years.

Skills/Abilities

• Skill in performing arterial punctures and analyzing arterial samples.

• Skill in operating computerized pulmonary function equipment and mechanical ventilators.

• Ability to work with department computer applications and the computerized medical record.

• Ability to operate various respiratory equipment.

• Demonstrates clinical competence in patient care and skill in administering respiratory therapy medications.

• Ability to effectively communicate in both written and verbal fashion, promoting a team approach to patient care.

• Demonstrate professional growth through continuing education activities.

• Ability to remain calm and work effectively during emergency or stressful situations. Ability to organize and prioritize work to complete tasks in a specific time frame.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, coworkers, medical staff and the public.

• Ability to adapt quickly to unexpected changes in work assignment.

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, department policies, procedures and instrument printouts.

• Ability to document brief reports regarding tests results, therapy given and operational problems/follow up.

• Ability to present information and respond to questions from coworkers, patients and physicians.

• Ability to work with mathematical concepts of normal range and standard deviations.

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages and ratios, as applied to technical procedures and administration of medications.

• Ability to solve problems regarding therapy instrumentation, technical procedures or testing results.

• Ability to interpret instructions from policy and procedure manual, or vendor manuals that are in written and/or diagram form.

• Ability to take verbal instruction from physicians, nurses and coworkers.

• Demonstrates ability to work with patients of all ages, from infant to elderly according to department policy and procedure.

• Knowledge of common safety hazards, National Patient Safety Standards and precautions to establish and maintain a safe work environment.

• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.