Respiratory Pulmonary Specialist

Bassett Healthcare Network•City of Oneonta, NY

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Manager and Medical Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory, the Respiratory Pulmonary Specialist performs advanced, multifaceted, ATS guideline-based diagnostic studies, including pulmonary function, bronchoprovocation, and cardiopulmonary testing. The role includes assisting with bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy in ambulatory, acute care, and critical care environments, as well as performing advanced bronchoscopic procedures such as EBUS, navigational and radial ultrasound bronchoscopy, therapeutic bronchoscopy, and cryotherapy. The specialist provides patient education on inhaled pharmacologic agents and drug delivery devices, non-pharmacologic respiratory modalities and disease management, pulmonary rehabilitation, asthma, and home oxygen therapy. The role includes monitoring patients, assessing ventilation, recognizing respiratory compromise, and intervening with advanced airway management skills. The specialist also teaches and trains staff at affiliate institutions in spirometry and oversees quality control to ensure tests meet American Thoracic Society standards. The position provides pulmonary diagnostic services and respiratory therapy treatments to patients of all ages in ambulatory and acute care settings, with age limits determined by the Pulmonologist. Other responsibilities include maintaining knowledge of equipment and department practices, participating in performance improvement, validating nursing staff in respiratory care procedures, attending required meetings and programs, providing instruction to students and residents, and serving as a resource to Respiratory Pulmonary Therapists 1 and 2 across the network. Duties may vary by location and leadership and can include ECK, Holter monitors, nocturnal studies, six-minute walks, stress test assistance, ABG punctures, and home oxygen qualifications and setup. Travel may occasionally be required, but not regularly.

Requirements

Associate degree in Respiratory Care or graduation from a COARC-accredited school of Respiratory Care, as required by New York State for licensure.
At least 5 years of clinical experience as a Respiratory Therapist or Technician.
New York State Respiratory Therapist license.
RRT NBRC credential/certification.
BLS certification within 6 months of hire.
ACLS certification within 6 months of hire.
Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist certification within 1 year of hire.
Skills in accountability, accuracy, adaptability, attention to detail, communication, critical thinking, decision-making, interacting with people, technical work, reliability, and reading, writing, and comprehension.
Ability to meet the stated medium-work physical demands, including exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
Ability to perform the listed occasional balancing, crouching, and grasping; frequent typing/clerical work, dexterity, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, and stooping; and constant hearing, repetitive motion, computer/monitor use, talking, visual tasks, walking, and fit testing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Care.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
Asthma Educator or COPD Educator certification.

Responsibilities

Perform ATS guideline-based pulmonary function, bronchoprovocation, and cardiopulmonary diagnostic testing.
Assist with bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy in ambulatory, acute care, and critical care settings.
Perform EBUS, navigational bronchoscopy, radial ultrasound bronchoscopy, therapeutic bronchoscopy, and cryotherapy.
Provide patient education on inhaled pharmacologic agents, drug delivery devices, respiratory modalities, self-management, and non-pharmacologic disease management.
Provide pulmonary rehabilitation and asthma education in ambulatory, acute care, and critical care settings as needed.
Monitor patients, assess ventilation status, recognize respiratory compromise, and intervene using advanced airway management skills.
Provide guidance on home oxygen therapy and devices that facilitate pulmonary hygiene.
Teach and train affiliate-institution staff to perform spirometry and oversee quality control in accordance with ATS standards.
Provide pulmonary diagnostic services and respiratory therapy treatments to patients of all ages in ambulatory and acute care settings.
Maintain knowledge of department equipment, operate it correctly, and notify appropriate personnel of malfunctions.
Participate in the Respiratory Services Department Performance Improvement Program.
Validate nursing staff annually in respiratory care procedures according to their scope of practice.
Attend department meetings, mandatory programs or reviews, and at least one annual pathology conference.
Complete annual random-sample technologist testing evaluated according to ATS standards.
Provide instruction to students and residents and act as a resource to Respiratory Pulmonary Therapists 1 and 2 throughout the network.
Perform location- or leadership-designated duties, which may include ECK, Holter monitors, nocturnal studies, six-minute walks, stress test assistance, ABG punctures, and home oxygen qualifications and setup.
Perform other duties as requested by the Respiratory supervisor, manager, or director.