Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Per Diem

Hackensack Meridian Health•Hackensack, NJ

13d

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), under the supervision of the Director of Respiratory Services, Technical Supervisor, and Shift Supervisors, provides and administers respiratory care therapy and supportive equipment in accordance with the Department Policy and Procedure Manual. The role supports patients with pulmonary disorders in critical and non-critical areas and performs respiratory care procedures pursuant to licensed physician prescriptions. The RRT evaluates and monitors cardiopulmonary function, administers respiratory treatments, supports patients on life-support systems, and documents procedures and patient responses in EPIC. The position also operates and maintains respiratory equipment, responds to emergency and trauma codes, and helps ensure compliance with clinical and infection-control policies. Care is adapted to the needs of each patient population, including age, culture, language, and communication needs. The role requires lifting at least 35 pounds, pushing and pulling at least 165 pounds, and standing at least six hours per day. The minimum posted pay rate is $47.76 per hour. The posting identifies this position as per diem; benefits listed for full-time and part-time positions of 20 or more hours per week include health, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

Requirements

Graduate of an AMA-approved Respiratory Care program.
Associate degree.
Comprehensive knowledge of all clinical aspects of Respiratory Care.
NJ Respiratory Care Practitioner License.
NJ Registered Respiratory Therapist Certificate.
AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.
Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds, push and pull a minimum of 165 pounds, and stand at least six hours per day.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.

Responsibilities

Assist in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with pulmonary disorders in critical and non-critical areas pursuant to a licensed physician's prescription.
Perform cardiopulmonary evaluations and monitoring, respiratory therapy treatments and procedures, and patient and family education.
Acquire, analyze, and interpret physiological specimen data; perform cardiopulmonary diagnostic tests, studies, and research, including related neurophysiological studies.
Administer or monitor medical gases, mechanical ventilation, artificial airway care, bronchopulmonary hygiene, respiratory-care-related pharmacologic agents, and respiratory-care-related cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Apply scientific principles to identify, prevent, remediate, research, and rehabilitate acute or chronic cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
Administer prescribed therapeutic respiratory care procedures and set up related equipment.
Record therapeutic procedures and patient responses in the EPIC electronic medical record.
Set up, verify, operate, and monitor invasive and non-invasive respiratory equipment.
Participate in managing patients on life-support systems by recommending and performing appropriate changes based on blood gas results and weaning studies.
Respond to and participate in emergency and trauma codes.
Oversee Certified Respiratory Care Technicians' clinical performance to ensure compliance with department policies and procedures.
Change and maintain ventilators and ventilator circuits in accordance with infection-control policy.
Run quality controls on blood gas analyzers.
Monitor and change manifolds, including emergency oxygen, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen manifold cylinders.
Retrieve, clean, and assemble respiratory equipment using disinfecting solutions and cleaning agents in accordance with infection-control protocols.
Identify patient population needs and adapt and deliver care accordingly, communicating with patients and primary caregivers at appropriate developmental, educational, and literacy levels and accounting for culture, language, and sensory needs.
Adhere to the Medical Center's organizational competency standards.
Perform other work as requested by the Director or designee.