Certified Respiratory Therapist (Full-Time)

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

About the role

Administers diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care modalities in a competent manner. Performs diagnostic respiratory care procedures. Maintains and monitors respiratory-related equipment. Assists in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

Responsibilities

• Delivers therapeutic respiratory care modalities daily according to department policies and procedures by processing requests for procedures from patient care units, confirming physicians' orders in patient charts, and establishing a patient care plan for each patient. Regularly updates knowledge of techniques and regulations appropriate to the ages of patients served.
• Evaluates the effects of therapies and reports to the physician. Communicates clearly and tactfully with patients. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens requires the use of personal protective equipment.
• Performs diagnostic procedures daily as prescribed by the physician according to department policies and procedures. Regularly updates knowledge of techniques and regulations appropriate to the ages of patients served. Communicates clearly and tactfully with patients. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens requires the use of personal protective equipment.
• Performs daily checks of resuscitation equipment and emergency oxygen supply. Delivers and maintains oxygen equipment as ordered by the physician. Stocks respiratory therapy supplies throughout the hospital daily.
• Maintains, cleans, and performs functional checks of department equipment as needed.
• Completes daily documentation in patients' medical records and department kardex for all services rendered with 99% accuracy as per department policies and procedures.
• Monitors the operation of mechanical ventilators, including replacement of ventilator circuit changes and airway maintenance, as required by department policies and procedures. May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens requiring the use of personal protective equipment.
• Responds to all cardio-pulmonary emergencies and performs cardio-pulmonary resuscitation as per hospital policies and procedures. Regularly updates knowledge of techniques and regulations appropriate to the ages of patients served. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens requires the use of personal protective equipment.
• Assists in the transport of respiratory care patients within and outside the hospital as per department policies and procedures. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens requires the use of personal protective equipment.
• Ensures delivery of excellent customer service resulting in positive and improving patient satisfaction scores for the department and Medical Center.
• Transports equipment used in diagnosis and therapeutic services to and from patients' rooms and treatment areas as required.
• Provides instruction and guidance to patients and their families on the safe and effective use of respiratory care equipment, supplies, and medication delivery devices as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
• Graduate of an AMA-approved respiratory therapist program.
• Previous experience required.
• At least two (2) years of clinical experience preferred.
• Certified Respiratory Therapist required.
• NJ Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner required.
• CPR certified required.
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) required.

Working Conditions

• Works indoors in a well-lighted and ventilated room.
• Exposure to fumes from chemicals, but risk is minimal when proper safety precautions are observed.
• Possibility of strains due to moving patients, equipment, and instrumentation.
• Exposure to contagious diseases and bloodborne pathogens requires the use of personal protective equipment.

Physical Demands

• Standing, walking, pushing, lifting, turning.
• Lifts objects up to forty (40) lbs.
• Carries objects weighing up to thirty (30) lbs.
• Lifts, with assistance on occasion, objects greater than 150 lbs.
• Frequently pushes objects up to 200 lbs.

Equipment Operated

• Ventilators, respirators, blood gas machines, pulse oximeters, pulmonary function units, suction machines.

Pay

Minimum rate of $32.17 hourly. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted rates may vary based on labor market data, experience, education, certifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, budget, and grant funding. Some positions may also be eligible for shift differentials, performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions.

Benefits

HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) positions, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.