Respiratory Care Practitioner

Respiratory Therapist I

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day. At Bridgeport Hospital, we are committed to providing quality medical care and treatment that is coordinated and centered on the patient's specific needs. We strive to achieve benchmarks as a Patient Centered Medical Home and provide health care in a setting where patients are at the center of their care team. All employees of Bridgeport Hospital are part of the patients care team and contribute to the team approach of promoting access, continuous, comprehensive care and work to provide quality improvement in the care provided to their patients. The Respiratory Therapist I is a health care professional who is a graduate of a Program in Respiratory Care approved by the committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and is licensed by the State of Connecticut as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. The Respiratory Therapist I performs a variety of clinical activities in the assessment, treatment and education of the patient with respiratory problems. The Respiratory Therapist I actively supports and serves as a resource to the other members of the patient care team. The Respiratory Therapist I supports departmental and interdepartmental quality improvement efforts. EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran.

Responsibilities

1. Clinical Application of Respiratory Care: Functions efficiently, resourcefully and skillfully in providing patients optimum age-specific respiratory care.

• 1.1 Assesses patient's pulmonary status employing basic and advanced skills, which include reviewing the medical chart, patient interview, physical examination, and interpretation of blood gases. Demonstrates proficiency and consistency with all assessment skills.

2. Documentation and Written Communications: Contributes to effective communications within the department through documentation of services administered, changes in patient's clinical status and therapeutic objectives.

• 2.1 Accurately, records all care provided via electronic medical record (EMR). Identifies patient on written documents by using the medical record number (MRN) and patient labels as required by department and hospital policy. Maintains patient confidentiality with documentation practices.

3. Consultation, Collaboration, and Communication: Communicates clearly and appropriately with co-workers. Demonstrates a cooperative team spirit and leadership, effectively contributing to excellence of patient care.

• 3.1 Patient report information is appropriate and conveys current patient status. Uses best practice when giving report and attentively and courteously accepts report in order to facilitate transition from one shift to the next. Accurately, completely and concisely conveys all relevant clinical information on patient's clinical course and status with report.

4. Self Development, Professionalism and Leadership: Assumes responsibility for maintaining clinical expertise through continuing education, professional growth, and development. Functions as charge therapist, upon request, in absence of shift supervisor.

• 4.1 Assumes responsibility for professional self-development by demonstrating ability to function as resource regarding current trends within the profession and new or advanced procedures/equipment in department.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited program of Respiratory Care, current active license by the State of Connecticut as a Respiratory Care Practitioner and NBRC Registry Examination eligibility. Bachelor of Science Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

This is an entry level position for new grads plus those with some experience in critical care or neonatal environments.

LICENSURE

CT RCP License

SPECIAL SKILLS

Competent in the basic operation and application of respiratory care equipment. Excellent oral and written communication. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work under stressful conditions. Excellent interpersonal skills. Basic computer literacy.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. They are occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. They must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. They are occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Incumbents as well as external and internal applicants who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without the assistance of reasonable accommodation as determined on a case by case basis.

YNHHS Requisition ID 195603