Respiratory Therapist - Acute Care

Rochester Regional Health•Rochester, NY

2d•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, and educating patients, families, team members, students, and the public. Evaluation includes acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting physiological data, performing diagnostic tests, and obtaining respiratory-care-related histories and physical assessments. Therapy includes applying and monitoring medical gases other than anesthetic gases and environmental control systems; supporting mechanical ventilation; maintaining artificial airways; providing bronchopulmonary hygiene and respiratory-care pharmacologic procedures; and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The therapist documents patient and family education, precepts orienting team members and students at RRHS affiliates, and provides public education upon request. This full-time position is based at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York, and is scheduled for 36 hours per week on rotating day and night shifts, with a weekend rotation of four shifts per four-week block. The position requires an associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent certificate, applicable New York State licensure and registration, and current ACLS certification within one year of hire (with stated exclusions for certain non-acute roles).

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent certificate.
New York State Respiratory Therapist (RT) license with current registration, including credentials received before September 1993; or New York State Respiratory Therapy Technician (RTT) license and active 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 this requirement.
Ability to perform the stated moderate clinical physical demands, including standing, walking, lifting 20–50 pounds, pushing and pulling medical equipment, assisting with patient positioning, and frequent bending, twisting, and reaching.
Ability to perform fine motor tasks in busy or confined clinical environments and maintain sensory acuity, focus, and decision-making under pressure.
Ability to work with 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 records, including history, physical examination, vital signs, and respiratory care orders.
Review and evaluate pertinent clinical data, 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, and monitoring and diagnostic procedures.
Monitor and document pertinent clinical parameters and assessments for assigned patients in accordance with 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 as applicable under department policy and procedure.
Collaborate with other health care team members to implement the plan of care.
Maintain ACLS certification and initiate appropriate emergency resuscitation procedures.
Communicate patient clinical-status information to appropriate health care 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.