Respiratory Therapist I

About the role

Join an innovative, patient-focused culture dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for the communities we serve. As a Respiratory Therapist I, you will assist providers in restoring normal respiratory function in critically ill patients from birth to adult geriatric, following established protocols and policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality respiratory care services in the inpatient setting.
• Administer bronchodilator therapy via MDI, DPI, and SVN.
• Perform bronchial hygiene techniques, including vibratory PEP therapy and chest physiotherapy.
• Conduct lung inflation therapy using incentive spirometry and inexsufflation.
• Monitor respiratory status, including Sp02, EtC02, and clinical assessments.
• Assist in restoring normal respiratory function for acute and critically ill patients.
• Set up, monitor, and maintain continuous mechanical ventilation equipment for patients with respiratory failure.
• Apply intensive bedside respiratory therapy techniques.
• Document the effectiveness of all therapies in the medical record with high accuracy.
• Perform specialized diagnostic procedures and routine/emergency arterial blood gas punctures.
• Ensure appropriate respiratory therapy orders through participation in the respiratory care protocol system.
• Evaluate patients for respiratory care needs within 24 hours of admission using hospital protocols.
• Review patient assessments and medical history to classify respiratory care needs, presenting findings to providers.
• Assist in assessing and identifying acute changes in cardiopulmonary status of critically ill patients.
• Document accurate hemodynamic data on the 24-hour flowsheet at least once per 8-hour shift.
• Assess medical records daily for proper delivery and documentation of respiratory therapy procedures.
• Perform concurrent audits during patient hospitalizations while receiving respiratory therapy.
• Participate in performance improvement and quality assurance projects, reporting findings monthly and quarterly.
• Perform laboratory testing following established policies and procedures after training and competency verification.
• Document testing and quality control in accordance with laboratory policies 100% of the time.
• Maintain and document testing reagents, supplies, and equipment per laboratory procedures.
• Perform other duties as requested and observed by supervisor, manager, or director.

Requirements

• 2-year Associate Degree in Respiratory Care or graduation from a COARC-accredited school for Respiratory Care (required by NYS for licensure).
• NYS license as a Respiratory Therapist (required).
• BLS and ACLS certifications within 6 months of hire (required).
• CRT or RRT NBRC certification (required).
• PALS and NRP certification (preferred).
• Respiratory Therapist experience prior to employment (preferred); new graduates considered.
• Broad knowledge of respiratory care procedures, equipment, and patient evaluation using protocol systems (preferred).

Skills

• Proficiency in computer skills, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend medical documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Light work: Exerting up to 20 lbs of force frequently and/or negligible force constantly to move objects.
• Occasional crouching, kneeling, and stooping.
• Frequent typing, clerical work, grasping, hearing, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, stooping, seeing/monitor/computer use, talking, walking, and visual acuity (color, depth, perception).
• Constant fit testing required.

Hazards

• Occasional exposure to radiation/radiant energy.
• Frequent exposure to bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required, but not on a regular basis.

Benefits

• Paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and disability protection.
• Retirement benefits with employer match.
• Additional benefits may vary by location and position.

Pay

Salary is based on qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training, and industry standards. Pay range: $32.64–$48.96 per hour.