Respiratory Therapist-Per Diem

About the Role

Plans, organizes, and manages the effective and efficient delivery of respiratory therapy services within the facility. The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care, teaching, and services to residents/patients to promote the highest level of pulmonary function attainable. Acts as a liaison between the hospital and facility for a smooth transition of respiratory patients.

Responsibilities

• Per physician's order, administers therapeutic gases, aerosols, and humidification efficiently and effectively.
• Per physician's orders, caps and decannulates tracheostomy residents and monitors effectiveness.
• Completes tracheostomy tube changes as ordered by physician.
• Performs BiPaP and CPap therapy, including gathering and fitting equipment appropriately and monitoring resident/patient compliance and effectiveness of the therapy.
• Performs initial respiratory assessments and implements any respiratory orders from sending facility.
• Assesses resident upon admission for baseline respiratory status and equipment needs.
• Performs all standard pulmonary function tests under the direction of the medical staff.
• Maintains open lines of communication with Medical Director and Nurse Practitioner to communicate effectiveness or ineffectiveness of procedures.
• Performs preadmission screens of residents, including gathering information from sending facility.
• Determines equipment needs for the resident in advance to provide for a smooth transition into the facility.
• Provides education of resident/patient/family through one-on-one verbalization and hands-on demonstration in the areas of incentive spirometry and alternative breathing maneuvers.
• Regularly follows up with noncompliant residents for further education geared toward increasing their compliance.
• Performs training, education, and assistance to staff responsible for respiratory treatments, including proper use of equipment.
• Gathers and sets up all necessary equipment prior to admission based on screen of resident.
• Makes recommendations regarding the purchasing of new equipment and supplies for the respiratory program.
• Complies with, understands, and role models all relevant regulations, policies, and exceeds or meets accepted standards of respiratory therapy practices.
• Completes all documentation thoroughly and promptly.
• Reviews and makes recommendations to the facility concerning staff education needs and requests.
• Provides in-services and obtains speakers to assist staff in improving their job performance.
• Operates a variety of respiratory care equipment such as oxygen concentrators, oxygen analyzers, nebulizers, humidifiers, suction machines, etc., on a regular basis.
• Participates in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement activities.
• Effectively communicates with staff to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Creates a work atmosphere that promotes cooperation, respect, flexibility, and teamwork amongst peers and staff.
• Follows all established safety procedures and precautions when operating equipment.
• Reports equipment malfunctions or breakdowns to the rehab director as soon as possible.
• Reports all unsafe/hazardous conditions to the program manager immediately.
• Maintains an adequate liaison with families, residents, and patients.
• Demonstrates awareness, respect, and concern for internal and external customers.
• Maintains confidentiality of all resident care information to assure resident rights are protected.
• Assures that the resident's rights to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property, and civil rights are followed.
• Observes rules, policies, and regulations with regard to attendance, punctuality, appearance, and professional attitude as established by the facility.
• Conforms to the HIPAA Compliance Program and applicable facility policies for patient privacy.
• Conforms to the facility's policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in respiratory care, cardiorespiratory sciences, or related area as recognized by the New York State Board for Respiratory Therapy.
• Two years full-time acute care hospital PFT laboratory experience, including at least 1 year PFT laboratory management experience.
• New York State respiratory therapist license.
• Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care with computer competency, including understanding of and ability to work with Microsoft Windows and pulmonary function software programs.
• Current CPR certification.
• Proven evaluation and care planning skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, residents, and families from diverse backgrounds who may have physical, sensory, and mental impairments.
• Ability to analyze problems, plan resolution strategies, implement solutions, and evaluate outcomes.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Skills

Physical

• Able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum of 4 feet or carry 50 lbs. a minimum of 2 feet.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently throughout the day.
• Must be able to assist with the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Must pass Medical and Physical examination based on job qualifications, requirements, and duties/responsibilities.

Emotional

• Must have the willingness to work with severely physically, emotionally, and cognitively compromised residents and patients.
• Must be willing to work in an environment with risk of personal injury, exposure to infectious waste/materials, infectious diseases, and odors.
• Must be able to cope with the emotional stress associated with working with patients, families, and coworkers.
• Must be able to work independently with periodic (daily or less) support and direction.

Cognitive

• Must be alert and attentive to patients and work environment throughout the day.
• Must be able to shift attention and task performance based on patient and facility requirements.
• Must be able to work in a distractible and stimulating environment.
• Must be able to read, understand, and comply with all facility-based policies and procedures.
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills.

Sensory

• Must have visual, hearing, and sensory skills adequate to preserve patient and personal safety.