Respiratory Therapist - Acute Care

Respiratory Therapist

Assists the Director of Respiratory Services and other hospital personnel in assuring continuity of quality respiratory care. The therapist is called on to use their knowledge to assess patients and assists in developing appropriate care plans. Respiratory staff will address adverse reactions to therapy or medications. Staff will address all patient respiratory needs including respiratory distress or failure and utilize skills, initiative and independent judgement to assist in critical situations. Authorized to accept verbal and telephone orders from physicians for respiratory care. Responsible to assure that quality respiratory care is delivered to all patients as per orders and/or schedule. Staff performs all aspects of Respiratory Care in accordance to department policies and procedures. Respiratory staff may be required to go on patient transports, in house, as well as, to other facilities. Staff may plan and provide Respiratory Care in-service programs to hospital staff as needed. Staff must be flexible with their schedule and may be required to work variable shifts, weekends and holidays. Respiratory staff adheres to the professional standards of the National Board for Respiratory Care, the New York State Education Department, and Canton Potsdam Hospital.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning: In collaboration with the Respiratory Director, maintains situational awareness of internal and external influences on organizations success. Develops understanding of strategic plans, aligns operational goals and performance measures to accomplish strategic imperatives.
• Operational measures: In collaboration with Respiratory Director, works towards operational goals and objectives, operational measures and monitors, routinely communicating results and identifying achievements and opportunities for improvement.
• Quality processes: In collaboration with the Respiratory Director, identifies evidence-based quality indicators for operational area, develops measures of quality and implements continuous quality improvement processes to achieve benchmark quality outcomes; identifies safety risks, and implements processes, educational/training interventions, policies/procedures and monitors to mitigate risk of potential harm; assist with training to operational employees on quality/process improvement methodology, measures and goals.
• Financial standards: In collaboration with the Respiratory Director, works within operations standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, safety, and complete on-time delivery. Assists with usage of IT systems to include Meditech, Excel, Word and interfaces with other departments to share information and resolve concerns.
• Service standards: Provides a superior level of customer service, incorporating the needs and concerns of patients, physicians and co-workers into operational objectives and decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of American Medical Association approved two year Respiratory school or equivalent.
• Current NYS Respiratory Therapist or Certified Respiratory Technician license from NYS Department of Education.
• Registered with the National Board of Respiratory Care or equivalent.
• Current AHA BLS certification at hire.
• AHA ACLS, PALS and NRP must be obtained within 3 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Respiratory Care, RPFT qualification, CCRP certification
• Clinical experience in general respiratory therapies, critical and emergent respiratory therapies as one would receive in an approved two year school or equivalent.

Union: 1199-721 SEIU (CPH) LPN & Technical (Note: Not all per diem roles are union eligible)

Education: AS

Licenses / Certifications: CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist - The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), RTT - Respiratory Therapy Technician - NYS Office of Professions

Physical Requirements: Moderate - Clinical - Moderate clinical roles are patient facing roles that require continual movement, including standing, walking, and lifting 20–50 lbs., along with pushing and pulling medical equipment and assisting with patient positioning. Employees perform frequent bending, twisting, and reaching while completing fine motor tasks in busy or confined clinical environments. High sensory acuity is essential for monitoring patient status and responding to alarms or safety concerns. Emotional and cognitive demands are substantial, involving decision-making under pressure, responding to emergencies, and maintaining sustained focus. Environmental exposures include infectious agents, bodily fluids, chemicals, and radiation. TB testing, mask-fit testing, and physical exams are common requirements.

Pay Range: $36.85 - $54.67

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.