Licensed Respiratory Therapist

Cayuga Medical Center

26d

About The Position

Arnot Health is seeking a Licensed Respiratory Therapist to provide respiratory care to patients. The therapist administers treatments tailored to each patient’s age and condition, manages invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, performs blood gas sampling and analysis, assists with bronchoscopy, and conducts pulmonary function testing. The role also includes educating patients and families, maintaining accurate clinical documentation, following infection-control and confidentiality requirements, and collaborating with the healthcare team to support quality improvement and patient care. The therapist is expected to participate in continuing education and mandatory in-service training. The position requires New York State licensure as a Respiratory Therapist or Technician and NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist credentialing. New graduates are welcome. BLS certification is required within 90 days of hire and ACLS certification within one year. The job involves extended walking and standing, handling equipment, and occasional lifting, bending, and pushing. Lifting may include up to 30 pounds independently and up to 150 pounds with assistance. Category I exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues applies, and appropriate PPE must be used.

Requirements

Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist or Technician by the State of New York.
Credentialed as a Certified Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Minimum experience required; new graduates are welcome to apply.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required within one year of hire.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
Professional appearance and conduct, including adherence to organizational policies for attendance and punctuality.
Ability to prioritize and organize workload, particularly during emergencies or crisis situations.
Proactive commitment to identifying and improving processes to support patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods and handle heavy equipment; occasional lifting, bending, and pushing.
Ability to lift and transport medical equipment and patients, including up to 30 pounds independently and up to 150 pounds with assistance.
Ability to work with Category I exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues and use required PPE properly.

Responsibilities

Administer respiratory therapy treatments, including oxygen therapy, medication delivery, volume expansion, and bronchial hygiene, according to patient age and condition.
Initiate, manage, and discontinue invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, including airway management and suctioning.
Perform arterial and capillary blood gas sampling, analyze specimens, troubleshoot blood gas analyzers, and follow critical-value procedures for action, notification, and documentation.
Prepare patients and equipment for bronchoscopy, assist physicians during procedures, and process specimens afterward.
Conduct pulmonary function tests according to ATS guidelines and provide post-test analysis.
Educate patients and families about respiratory treatments, procedures, and equipment.
Complete timely, accurate documentation in patient charts.
Follow infection-control practices, universal precautions, organizational policies and procedures, and patient confidentiality requirements; use PPE properly.
Participate in quality-improvement activities, collaborate with the healthcare team, and assist with problem-solving to enhance patient care.
Attend ongoing education programs and mandatory in-service training.