Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Cystic Fibrosis Clinic

Hartford HealthCare•Hartford, CT

About The Position

Work where every moment matters. Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare employees come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut’s most comprehensive healthcare network. Hartford Hospital is one of the largest and most respected teaching hospitals in New England. We are a Level 1 Trauma Center that provides cutting edge treatment to its patients. This is made possible by being home to the largest robotic surgery center in the Northeast and the Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI), one of the most-advanced medical simulation training centers in the world. When hospitals cannot provide the advanced care, expertise and new treatment options their patients require, they turn to us. Job Summary: Performs as a clinically competent practitioner of respiratory care. Provides respiratory care to patients with minimal guidance. Performs the therapy, management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities which affect the cardiopulmonary system and associated aspects of other system functions. Administers respiratory therapy to include administering oxygen and other medical gases, aerosolized medications, positive pressure breathing devices, etc. Performs pulmonary diagnostic procedures and assessments. Uses an understanding of the principles of growth and development to assess each patient’s individual age specific needs and to provide individualized age specific treatments and care. Demonstrates efficiency across clinical/critical care settings to provide quality service to patient care units through communication, cooperation and collaboration with heath care team. Participates in additional training and/or certification courses to develop expertise and skills to become certified to work in specialized clinical areas. Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

Associates Degree from an AMA approved Respiratory program.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) granted by The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Valid State of Connecticut Respiratory Care Practitioner license.
BLS /ACLS where applicable

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree Preferred
Bachelor’s Degree from an AMA approved Respiratory program preferred
PALS/NRP certification preferred

Responsibilities

Administers pharmacologic, diagnostic and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures necessary to implement a treatment, disease, prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, or a diagnostic regimen prescribed by a physician.
Sets up equipment and medications.
Observes and monitors signs and symptoms, general behavior, general physical response to respiratory care treatment and diagnostic testing, to determine whether abnormal characteristics are exhibited.
In collaboration with healthcare team, develops and implements an appropriate care plan based on patient assessment by utilizing respiratory protocols to optimize patient outcomes.
Instruct patient in the use and maintenance of various types of respiratory care equipment for home use and self-administration.
Explain procedures to patients and addresses their concerns in a professional and therapeutic manner.
Performs duties related to the functioning of the POC (point of care) testing, quality metrics, and related specimen retrieval.
Performs baseline pulmonary function screening and weaning parameters.
Perform pulmonary diagnostic testing including pulmonary screens, SpO2, peak flows and oximetry.
Accurately inputs data into Electronic Health Record to track procedure and supply charges and other relevant information.
Accurately documents charting and charging.
Utilizing safety, environmental, and infection control standards, appropriately maintains area supplies and reports equipment malfunctions.
Performs and documents quality assurance testing on equipment according to established protocols to maintain high performance of the system.
Transports patients as necessary.
Maintains clinical proficiency and annual health stream.
Participates in additional training and/or certification courses to develop expertise and skills to become certified to work in specialized clinical areas.
Perform other related duties as required