Per Diem Respiratory Therapist

Bristol Hospital Group•Bristol, CT

About The Position

Bristol Health is seeking a Per Diem Respiratory Therapist to provide respiratory care according to established plans of care. The role includes complex treatments, procedures, and assessments requiring professional judgment and initiative, as well as routine respiratory therapy such as suctioning, administering prescribed medications during respiratory therapy, chest percussion, postural drainage, and incentive spirometry. The therapist delivers patient-focused clinical care, assesses patients using chart review, history, bedside spirometry, and clinical examination, and uses invasive or non-invasive respiratory monitoring as indicated. The role involves clinical problem solving, patient and family education, documentation, collaboration with the health care team, and support for colleagues and new employees. The therapist also participates in policy and clinical pathway development, quality improvement, committee work, and ongoing professional development. The position requires a two-year AMA-approved associate- or bachelor's-level program, at least one year of respiratory care experience, NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials, and a Connecticut State License as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. The employee must be willing to float or be reassigned as needed and be available for call-in or other emergency duties. The work includes regular exposure to patient-related elements, including infectious and communicable diseases, and occasional stress; physical activity includes standing for most of the day, moderate lifting, walking, stooping, and bending.

Requirements

Completion of a two-year AMA-approved associate- or bachelor's-level program.
At least one year of experience in respiratory care.
NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Connecticut State License as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
Computer literacy and experience entering and retrieving PC data.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Good mathematics, analytical, and organizational skills.
Ability to read, comprehend, and carry out written and oral instructions.
Willingness to float or be reassigned as needed.
Availability for call-in or other emergency duties.
Ability to stand for most of the day, lift up to approximately 30 pounds, and walk, stoop, and bend repetitively throughout the workday.

Responsibilities

Provide respiratory care according to established plans of care, including complex and routine treatments, procedures, and assessments.
Perform patient assessments using chart review, patient history, bedside spirometry, clinical examination, and invasive or non-invasive respiratory monitoring as indicated.
Identify and validate clinical problems, assist with clinical pathways, evaluate outcomes, and monitor for variances.
Use respiratory and technical skills to deliver care and apply clinical judgment to resolve care issues and establish patient-care priorities.
Teach patients and families about respiratory care, evaluate their progress, and initiate education.
Assist with daily living activities and document care, respiratory interventions, patient outcomes, and pathway variances clearly, consistently, and in a timely manner.
Provide information in accordance with JCAHO and State of Connecticut requirements.
Collaborate with health care team members to plan, implement, and evaluate clinical pathway interventions; communicate regimens, outcomes, and variances to case managers.
Confer with physicians and write verbal and telephone orders.
Act as a resource to colleagues and new employees, precept fellow employees, and assist with orientation.
Share information from off-site educational opportunities and provide respiratory care guidance to colleagues.
Assist coworkers with clinical problem solving and respiratory equipment troubleshooting.
Participate in developing, revising, and implementing policies, procedures, and clinical pathways.
Evaluate and recommend new respiratory technology.
Participate in quality improvement activities, including indicator development, chart review, patient interventions, and evaluation.
Participate on hospital and unit committees and share relevant committee information with colleagues.
Maintain professional growth by evaluating strengths and weaknesses, attending meetings and educational events, keeping current with respiratory care skills and technology, completing mandatory in-services, maintaining advanced credentials, and setting and evaluating annual goals.
Float or accept reassignment to another department, unit, office, or location as needed.
Remain available for call-in or other emergency duties.