Respiratory Therapist-Per Diem

Theradynamics•New York, NY

11d

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist plans, organizes, and manages respiratory therapy services within the facility to promote the highest level of pulmonary function attainable. The role provides respiratory care, teaching, and services to residents and patients; serves as a liaison between the hospital and facility to support smooth transitions; and performs and documents initial respiratory assessments. The therapist delivers treatments and pulmonary function testing, evaluates residents’ respiratory status and equipment needs, supports admissions, and educates residents, families, and staff. The role also contributes to respiratory-program equipment recommendations, staff education, and quality assurance activities while following applicable clinical, safety, privacy, and facility requirements.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in respiratory care, cardiorespiratory sciences, or a related area recognized by the New York State Board for Respiratory Therapy.
Two years of full-time acute-care hospital pulmonary function testing laboratory experience, including at least one year of PFT laboratory management experience.
New York State respiratory therapist license.
Registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Computer competency, including ability to use Microsoft Windows and pulmonary function software programs.
Current CPR certification.
Proven evaluation and care-planning skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse clients, residents, and families, including people with physical, sensory, or mental impairments.
Ability to analyze problems, plan resolution strategies, implement solutions, and evaluate outcomes.
An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides proficiency in the listed areas may substitute for the stated education and experience requirements.
Ability to push, pull, move, or lift at least 50 pounds to a height of at least four feet, or carry 50 pounds at least two feet.
Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift, and move intermittently throughout the day and assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.
Must pass a medical and physical examination based on the job’s qualifications, requirements, and duties.
Willingness to work with severely physically, emotionally, and cognitively compromised residents and patients, and in an environment with potential personal injury, infectious waste or materials, infectious diseases, and odors.
Ability to cope with emotional stress and work independently with periodic support and direction.
Ability to remain alert and attentive, shift attention and tasks according to patient and facility needs, and work in a distractible, stimulating environment.
Ability to read, understand, and comply with facility policies and procedures; effective verbal and written communication skills.
Visual, hearing, and sensory abilities adequate to preserve patient and personal safety.

Responsibilities

Administer therapeutic gases, aerosols, and humidification per physician orders.
Cap and decannulate tracheostomy residents, monitor effectiveness, and perform ordered tracheostomy tube changes.
Provide BiPAP and CPAP therapy, including gathering and fitting equipment and monitoring compliance and effectiveness.
Perform initial respiratory assessments, implement respiratory orders from the sending facility, and assess residents upon admission for baseline status and equipment needs.
Perform standard pulmonary function tests under the direction of the medical staff.
Communicate with the Medical Director and Nurse Practitioner about the effectiveness of procedures.
Conduct preadmission screens, gather information from sending facilities, determine equipment needs, and prepare equipment for admissions.
Educate residents, patients, and families about incentive spirometry and alternative breathing maneuvers, and follow up with noncompliant residents.
Train and assist staff responsible for respiratory treatments, including instruction in proper equipment use.
Recommend purchases of respiratory-program equipment and supplies.
Follow applicable regulations, policies, and accepted respiratory therapy practices; complete documentation thoroughly and promptly.
Review and recommend staff education needs, provide in-services, and obtain speakers to support staff development.
Operate respiratory care equipment, including oxygen concentrators, oxygen analyzers, nebulizers, humidifiers, and suction machines.
Participate in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement activities.
Communicate effectively with staff and promote cooperation, respect, flexibility, and teamwork.
Follow safety procedures, report equipment malfunctions to the rehab director, and report hazardous conditions to the program manager.
Maintain appropriate liaison with residents, patients, families, physicians, coworkers, and referral sources, demonstrating awareness and respect for their needs.
Protect resident rights and maintain confidentiality of resident care information.
Follow facility attendance, punctuality, appearance, professional conduct, HIPAA, and other applicable policies and procedures.
Meet physical, emotional, cognitive, and sensory requirements of the role, including assisting with resident evacuation during emergencies.