Respiratory Therapist

About the role

The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory services to Hudson Valley Hospice patients under orders from the referring physician, enhancing the quality of patients’ lives. Hospice respiratory therapists offer solutions for patients with advanced lung disease and advanced cardiac disease in their preferred care setting, including homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. As part of the interdisciplinary hospice team, respiratory therapists manage symptoms, ease anxiety, provide pulmonary hygiene, and educate caregivers.

Responsibilities

• Support end-of-life cardiopulmonary patients with complex needs.
• Provide routine and emergency Respiratory Therapy and Pulmonary Diagnostic procedures to adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients.
• Assemble, operate, and monitor Respiratory Therapy equipment, including BiPAP/CPAP, non-invasive ventilation (Trilogy), tracheotomy care, compassionate hospital or home ventilator discontinuation, and high-flow oxygen therapy.
• Assist patients with neurologic diseases, such as ALS, using Cough Assist.
• Review available information and evaluate its impact on treatments.
• Perform thorough assessments, evaluations, and documentation of patients’ respiratory functioning in response to therapy.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in consultation with the physician and interdisciplinary team.
• Provide respiratory services in accordance with the plan of care in a safe, timely manner.
• Instruct and consult with patients and caregivers on appropriate respiratory care procedures and techniques.
• Consult with physicians, healthcare workers, and caregivers regarding patient progress, problems, and plans.
• Recommend appropriate interagency and intra-agency referrals.
• Provide educational programs for Hudson Valley Hospice staff members.

Requirements

• Current NY State Respiratory Care Practitioner License.
• N.B.R.C. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT preferred).
• Graduate of a two- or four-year AMA-approved Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Minimum of one year of experience in all types of adult, pediatric, and neonatal respiratory therapy procedures.
• Current CPR certification.

Skills

• Ability to work in multiple settings in a non-judgmental fashion.
• Capability to solve problems calmly and compassionately.
• Maintains a professional attitude and ethical approach to patients and the organization.
• Works effectively in a fast-paced environment while staying organized and focused.
• Bilingual is a plus.

Work Environment

• Ability to work various shifts and/or on-call hours when required.
• Can lift up to 20 pounds of supplies and equipment when necessary.
• Travel to patient's home setting, wherever that may be.

Schedule

Per Diem Requirement (6 shifts/month — number of hours dependent on department needs).

Pay

$60–63/hour (non-exempt).

Benefits

• Mileage reimbursement.
• Company-matched 403b retirement plan.
• Hospice and palliative care education.
• Employee engagement activities.
• Year-end bonuses.