Respiratory Therapist - Sign-on Bonus

Main Function

Provide respiratory care services in accordance with physician orders, departmental protocols and policies and procedures under the supervision of the System Director or designated charge therapist.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Maintains knowledge of various methods of oxygen delivery including the necessary equipment.
• Demonstrates the ability to adjust delivery devices specific to the age and condition of the patient.
• Affords assessment of possible side effects to oxygen therapy.
• Fulfills the oxygen therapy protocol.
• Assesses, implements and documents respiratory care needs for patients post discharge.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments via various modalities for medication delivery, volume expansion and bronchial hygiene specific to the age of the patient in accordance with departmental protocols.
• Understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects.
• Initiates, maintains and discontinues mechanical ventilators, both invasive and non-invasive.
• Performs associated procedures for such treatment, specific to the age of the patient, such as airway management and suctioning.
• Performs arterial and capillary blood sampling and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedures.
• Appropriately labels and transports specimens for analysis.
• Analyzes blood gas specimens without difficulty.
• Follows procedure for critical values including action, notification and documentation.
• Able to troubleshoot blood gas analyzers.
• Performs pulmonary function testing per ATS guidelines.
• Prepares patient and equipment for bronchoscopy and assists physician with procedure.
• Processes and transports specimens post procedure.
• Completes post procedure duties.
• Maintains an acceptable physician performance rating.
• Obtains a 12 Lead EKG of good quality.
• Completes associated documentation.

Patients Rights

• Knowledgeable of and follows Patients Rights.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Only accesses patient information necessary to complete assigned tasks.
• Follows health policy for patient identification prior to administering medications, treatments, procedures or sampling blood.

Problem Solving/Decision Making

• Demonstrates ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Functions as part of the team.
• Maintains composure during crisis situations and responds appropriately.
• Demonstrates ability to assess a patient for respiratory therapy needs, educational needs and pain level.
• Develops and documents a plan of care based on assessments and implements changes when appropriate.
• Demonstrates effective conflict resolution processes.
• PRACTICES EFFECTIVE PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND PROBLEM SOLUTION SKILLS.

Professionalism

• Counsels in a professional manner with all customers.
• Dresses appropriately.
• Documents all pertinent information in the patient chart and charges when appropriate with emphasis on correct time documentation.
• Explains the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment to patient and their families in a pleasant, respectful and professional manner.
• Follows the attendance and punctuality policies.
• Assumes responsibility to attend all mandatory in-services as required.
• Assumes responsibility for information shared at department meetings.
• Assumes responsibility for own actions.
• Assists with the learning needs of students (Respiratory Therapy, Nursing, Paramedic) as appropriate.
• Assists with the orientation of new employees.
• Is able to assume the role of charge therapist when assigned and completes all associated duties.
• Demonstrates ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities in a fair and equitable manner.

Risk Management & Quality Improvement

• Demonstrates awareness and application of safety issues.
• Adheres to infection control, universal precautions and safety policies in addition to respiratory therapy policies, procedures and protocols.
• Utilizes personal protective equipment appropriately.
• Participates in Quality Improvement activities and demonstrates principles in daily work.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement in communication, working relationships and implements methods for improvement.

Other

• Responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.
• Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customers needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience.

Education

• Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist by the State of New York or eligible.
• Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the NBRC or eligible.

Experience

• One year recent experience as a Respiratory Therapist preferred.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (cpr) Requirements

• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 1 year of hire date.