REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST-ELM

Respiratory Therapist

Under general supervision and with advanced understanding of the physical sciences, routinely performs the following procedures: Oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, medical gas administration, pulmonary drainage and bronchial hygiene procedures, and mechanical ventilation. Gathers data on an ongoing basis for quality improvement and may be involved in teaching of co-workers and/or students.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Initiates, maintains and discontinues oxygen therapy upon the order of a physician.
• Initiates, maintains and discontinues aerosol therapy, both bland and medications upon the order of a physician.
• Initiates, maintains and discontinues mechanical ventilation upon the order of a physician.
• Transports and monitors critically ill patients using non-invasive techniques.
• Attends medical emergencies and assists in CPR.
• Maintains and monitors various compressed gas manifold systems throughout the hospital center.
• Observes department's infection control standards.
• Assigned routinely to the ventilator-weaning program using advanced techniques and knowledge in the assessment of patients within the program.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary rounds with physicians and other health care professionals.
• Collects information used in the department's quality improvement plan.
• In-services staff, respiratory therapy students, nurses and physicians on topics relating to respiratory care.
• Performs arteriotomy and draws blood gases.
• Distributes equipment and supplies utilized for the delivery of Respiratory Care.
• Performs other duties, such as spirometry, as required.
• Requires lifting of up to 50 pounds and moving of equipment and patients.
• Requires long periods of standing of up to 5 hours per day, walking and bending.
• Must have at least 5 years of experience.
• Sufficient verbal and written skills enabling communication with physicians, nurses, co-workers and patients.
• Graduate from a two-year Associate Degree program in Respiratory Therapy approved by the New York State Board of Education.
• Possession of a current New York State Department of Education license and registration to practice as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Has successfully passed both entry-level CRTT examination and registry (RRT) examination administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care.