Reg Respiratory Therapist-Atlantic Health Newton Medical Center-Cardiopulmonary Rehab-Per Diem

Respiratory Therapist

Responsible for providing respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies and abnormalities, under supervision of physician.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Evaluates prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and checks patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.
• Renders aerosol medications and treatments to patients for inhalation, and positions patients to assist in breathing and prevent lung obstruction.
• Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications that may be needed, which will be compatible with physician's orders.
• Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators to support respiration and maintain patient's oxygen supply.
• Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.
• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
• Performs chest physiotherapy on patient to remove mucus from their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
• Assists in the performance of diagnostic testing by performing pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case.
• Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
• Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.
• Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, and orders repairs when needed.
• Provides patient education and support for patients suffering from chronic lung disease.
• Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
• May care for premature infants with underdeveloped pulmonary systems, the elderly who have increased susceptibility to pulmonary and cardiac disease, and trauma patients.
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education:

• Associate of Science degree from an accredited respiratory therapist program, required.
• Bachelor's Degree, highly preferred.

Relevant Experience:

• 1+ years of Respiratory Care experience
• Critical care experience, highly preferred.
• Previous experience with PFT studies and cardiopulmonary testing, highly preferred.
• Current or past experience with EPIC charting, highly preferred.

License/Certification:

• Active license for Respiratory Therapy in New Jersey, required. Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), required within one (1) year of employment.
• Basic Life Support certification required. Advanced Life Support expected to have or obtain with 12 months of hire.