Respiratory Therapist - Acute Care

Rochester Regional Health•Rochester, MN

4d•$37 - $48•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care in patient care settings by implementing and updating care plans, conducting cardiopulmonary evaluations, administering respiratory therapy treatments, and educating patients, families, team members, students, and the public. Evaluation includes acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting physiological data, performing diagnostic tests, and taking histories and conducting physical assessments related to respiratory care. Therapy includes applying and monitoring medical gases other than anesthetic gases and environmental control systems; providing mechanical ventilator support and artificial airway care; bronchopulmonary hygiene; administering pharmacologic agents related to respiratory procedures; and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The role also includes documenting patient and family education, precepting team members and students, and providing public education upon request. This is a full-time position in the Respiratory Care department at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York. The schedule is rotating day and night shifts, listed as 7–7:30, with 36 hours per week and a weekend rotation requirement of four shifts per four-week block. The stated pay range is $36.77–$48.33; individual pay may vary based on position details, FTE, experience, qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent certificate.
New York State Respiratory Therapist (RT) license with current registration, including credentials received prior to September 1993; or New York State Respiratory Therapy Technician (RTT) license and active National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credentials.
Current ACLS certification is required within one year of hire. Respiratory therapists in non-acute Pulmonary or Long-Term Care areas are excluded from the ACLS requirement.
Ability to meet the stated moderate clinical physical demands, including continual movement, standing, walking, lifting 20–50 pounds, pushing and pulling medical equipment, and assisting with patient positioning.
Ability to perform frequent bending, twisting, reaching, and fine motor tasks in busy or confined clinical environments.
High sensory acuity and sustained focus to monitor patients and respond to alarms or safety concerns; ability to make decisions under pressure and respond to emergencies.
The role involves potential exposure to infectious agents, bodily fluids, chemicals, and radiation; TB testing, mask-fit testing, and physical exams are common requirements.

Responsibilities

Review and evaluate patient-record information, including history, physical examination, vital signs, and admission and current respiratory care orders.
Review and evaluate pertinent clinical information, including blood gas and other laboratory results, hemodynamic monitoring, electrocardiograms, and radiology reports.
Advise providers on appropriate respiratory care procedures and techniques for patient-care situations.
Select, assemble, and check respiratory care equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness.
Recommend, conduct, and document prescribed therapeutic procedures, including medication administration, airway care, bronchial hygiene, oxygen and aerosol therapy, ventilator support, monitoring, and diagnostic procedures.
Monitor and document pertinent clinical parameters and assessments for assigned patients according to departmental policies and procedures.
Modify treatment techniques based on patient response.
Provide and document patient education for therapeutic procedures performed.
Initiate and update respiratory care plans for patients according to department policy and procedure, as applicable.
Collaborate with other healthcare team members to implement the plan of care.
Maintain ACLS certification and initiate appropriate emergency resuscitation procedures.
Communicate information about patients’ clinical status to appropriate healthcare team members according to departmental policies and procedures.
Participate in instruction and orientation of Respiratory Care team members, students, and other allied health professionals in respiratory care administration methods.
Perform other duties as assigned.