Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Per Diem

About the role

At Hackensack Meridian Health, our team members are the heart of what makes us better. We help our patients live better, healthier lives and support one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees thrive in a team-oriented environment. Together, we advance our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Registered Respiratory Therapist, under the supervision of the Director of Respiratory Services, Technical Supervisor, and Shift Supervisors, provides and administers all aspects of Respiratory Care Therapy and supportive equipment as outlined in the Department Policy and Procedure Manual.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders in both critical and non-critical areas pursuant to a licensed physician’s prescription.
• Performs cardiopulmonary evaluation, monitoring, respiratory therapy treatment techniques, respiratory procedures, and patient and family education.
• Responsible for the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data from physiological specimens, diagnostic tests, studies, and research of the cardiopulmonary system, including neurophysiological studies related to respiratory care.
• Administers and/or monitors medical gases, mechanical ventilation support, artificial airway care, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pharmacologic agents related to respiratory care, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
• Utilizes scientific principles for the identification, prevention, remediation, research, and rehabilitation of acute or chronic cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
• Administers therapeutic Respiratory Care procedures and sets up related equipment as prescribed by the physician.
• Records all pertinent information of provided therapeutic procedures and patient responses in the electronic medical record system, EPIC.
• Sets up, verifies proper function, operates, and monitors all invasive and non-invasive respiratory equipment for patients in need of respiratory assistance.
• Participates in the management of patients on life support systems by recommending and performing appropriate changes based on blood gas results and weaning studies.
• Responds to and participates in all emergency and trauma codes.
• Oversees the clinical performance of Certified Respiratory Care Technicians to ensure compliance with department policies and procedures.
• Changes and maintains ventilators and ventilator circuits in accordance with the Infection Control Policy.
• Runs quality controls on blood gas analyzers.
• Monitors and changes all manifolds, including emergency oxygen, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen manifold cylinders.
• Retrieves, cleans, and assembles all respiratory equipment using disinfecting solutions and cleaning agents in accordance with infection control protocols.
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies care to address those needs (e.g., age, culture, language, hearing, or visual impairments).
• Communicates with patients and primary caregivers at their developmental, educational, and literacy levels.
• Lifts a minimum of 35 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 165 lbs., and stands a minimum of 6 hours a day.
• Adheres to the standards identified in the Medical Center’s Organizational competencies.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Director or their designee.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Graduate of an AMA-approved Respiratory Care program.
• Associate degree.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all clinical aspects of Respiratory Care.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ Registered Respiratory Therapist Certificate.
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.
• NJ Respiratory Care Practitioner License.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.

Pay

Minimum starting rate of $43.65 per hour. The posted rate of pay is a reasonable good-faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting and may vary based on factors such as labor market data, experience, education, certifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, budget, and grant funding. Some positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts, as well as performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions.

Benefits

Hackensack Meridian Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) employees, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Retirement benefits.