Respiratory Therapist I

Bassett Healthcare Network•Village of Cooperstown, NY

75d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist I will assist the provider in restoration of normal respiratory function in critically ill patients in accordance with established protocols and policies. The respiratory therapist is competent to provide services to patients from birth to adult geriatric. Requires the ability to provide high quality respiratory care services in the inpatient setting. Possess computer skills such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Ability to assess patient status and take appropriate action is required: Bronchodilator therapy via MDI, DPI, SVN Bronchial hygiene: vibratory PEP therapy, chest physiotherapy Lung inflation therapy: incentive spirometry, inexsufflation Respiratory status including monitoring Sp02 and EtC02, combined with clinical assessment To assist the provider in the restoration of normal respiratory function in acute and critically ill patients Sets up, monitors and maintains continuous mechanical ventilation equipment for the treatment of patients experiencing acute, chronic or impending respiratory failure, as determined by staff feedback and leadership observation Applies intensive bedside respiratory therapy techniques, as determined by customer feedback and leadership observation Documents the effectiveness of all therapies administered in the medical record 100% of the time, with no more than 1 exception per month Performs specialized diagnostic procedures, as determined by provider feedback, leadership observation and department policy Performs routine and emergency arterial blood gas punctures for the evaluation of patient’s acid-base status To insure that respiratory therapy is appropriately ordered throughout the hospital by participating in the respiratory care protocol system Evaluates patients for appropriate forms of respiratory care by hospital protocol within 24 hours of patient’s admission to service Reviews patient assessment and medical history pertinent to protocol evaluation, classify the need for respiratory care for individual patients, determined by evaluation being accepted by ordering M.D. Presents patient history and suggested therapeutic programs to provider To assist the provider in accurately assessing and identifying acute changes in the cardiopulmonary status of critically ill patients Documents accurate hemodynamic data on the 24-hour flowsheet, at least once and 8- hour shift Respiratory Care Assess medical records daily for proper delivery and documentation for respiratory therapy procedures Performs concurrent audits during patient hospitalizations while receiving respiratory therapy Performance Improvement and Quality Assurance Works in consort with the manager and director by reporting PI matters been completed Develops and maintains a department PI/QA project and reports findings monthly and quarterly Laboratory testing is performed following established policies and procedures only after training and competency has been completed Performs and documents testing and quality control in accordance to established laboratory policies and procedures 100% of the time, as observed by supervisor and POC staff Mains and documents testing reagents/supplies and equipment according to established laboratory procedures as observed by supervisor and POC staff Performs similar or related duties as requested or directed Performs other duties as requested and observed by supervisor, manager or director.

Requirements

2 year / Associate Degree in Respiratory Care or Graduate of a COARC accredited school for Respiratory Care as required by NYS to obtain NYS license.
Respiratory Therapist experience prior to employment, preferred (New graduate considered).
Broad knowledge of respiratory care procedures, respiratory equipment and patient evaluation using protocol systems, preferred.
NYS license as a Respiratory Therapist, required.
BLS and ACLS certifications within 6 months from date of hire, required.
CRT or RRT NBRC certification, required.
Computer Skills
Communication
Interacting with People
Reading/Writing/Comprehension

Nice To Haves

PALS and NRP certification

Responsibilities

Assist the provider in restoration of normal respiratory function in critically ill patients in accordance with established protocols and policies.
Provide high quality respiratory care services in the inpatient setting.
Assess patient status and take appropriate action including Bronchodilator therapy via MDI, DPI, SVN, Bronchial hygiene: vibratory PEP therapy, chest physiotherapy, Lung inflation therapy: incentive spirometry, inexsufflation, and Respiratory status including monitoring Sp02 and EtC02, combined with clinical assessment.
Assist the provider in the restoration of normal respiratory function in acute and critically ill patients.
Set up, monitor, and maintain continuous mechanical ventilation equipment for the treatment of patients experiencing acute, chronic or impending respiratory failure.
Apply intensive bedside respiratory therapy techniques.
Document the effectiveness of all therapies administered in the medical record 100% of the time.
Perform specialized diagnostic procedures.
Perform routine and emergency arterial blood gas punctures for the evaluation of patient’s acid-base status.
Participate in the respiratory care protocol system to ensure appropriate respiratory therapy is ordered throughout the hospital.
Evaluate patients for appropriate forms of respiratory care by hospital protocol within 24 hours of patient’s admission to service.
Review patient assessment and medical history pertinent to protocol evaluation, classify the need for respiratory care for individual patients.
Present patient history and suggested therapeutic programs to provider.
Assist the provider in accurately assessing and identifying acute changes in the cardiopulmonary status of critically ill patients.
Document accurate hemodynamic data on the 24-hour flowsheet.
Assess medical records daily for proper delivery and documentation for respiratory therapy procedures.
Perform concurrent audits during patient hospitalizations while receiving respiratory therapy.
Report PI matters that have been completed.
Develop and maintain a department PI/QA project and report findings monthly and quarterly.
Perform and document testing and quality control in accordance to established laboratory policies and procedures.
Maintain and document testing reagents/supplies and equipment according to established laboratory procedures.
Perform similar or related duties as requested or directed.
Perform other duties as requested and observed by supervisor, manager or director.