Respiratory Therapist-Per Diem

Respiratory Therapist

Plans, organizes and manages the effective and efficient delivery of respiratory therapy services within the facility. The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care, teaching and services to residents/patients to promote the highest level of pulmonary function attainable. Will act as a liaison between the hospital and facility for a smooth transition of respiratory patients. Responsible for performing initial respiratory therapy assessments and documenting assessment in the medical record.

Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in respiratory care, cardiorespiratory sciences or related area as recognized by the New York State Board for Respiratory Therapy.
• Two years full time acute care hospital PFT laboratory experience including at least 1 year PFT laboratory management experience.
• New York State respiratory therapist license.
• Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care with computer competency, including understanding of, and ability to work with Microsoft Windows and pulmonary function software programs.
• Current CPR certification.
• Proven evaluation and care planning skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, residents, and families from diverse backgrounds who may have physical, sensory and mental impairments.
• Ability to analyze problems, plan resolution strategies, implement solutions and evaluate outcomes.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Per physician's order, administers therapeutic gases, aerosols and humidification efficiently and effectively.
• Per physician's orders, caps and decannulates tracheostomy residents and monitors effectiveness. Completes tracheostomy tube changes as ordered by physician.
• Performs BiPaP and CPap therapy including gathering and fitting equipment appropriately and monitoring resident/patient compliance and effectiveness of the therapy.
• Performs initial respiratory assessments and implements any respiratory orders from sending facility. Assesses resident upon admission for his/her baseline respiratory status and equipment needs.
• Performs all standard pulmonary function tests under the direction of the medical staff.
• Maintains open lines of communication between him/herself with Medical Director and Nurse Practitioner to communicate effectiveness or ineffectiveness of procedures.
• Performs preadmission screens of resident including gathering information from sending facility. Determines equipment needs for the resident in advance to provide for a smooth transition into the facility.
• Provides education of resident/patient/family through one-on-one verbalization and hands-on demonstration in the areas of incentive spirometry and alternative breathing maneuvers.
• Regularly follows up with noncompliant residents for further education geared toward increasing their compliance.
• Performs training, education, and assistance to staff who are responsible for respiratory treatments including proper use of equipment.
• Gather and set up all necessary equipment prior to admission based on screen of resident.
• Makes recommendations regarding the purchasing of new equipment and supplies for the respiratory program.
• Complies with, understands and role models all relevant regulations, policies, and exceeds or meets accepted standards of respiratory therapy practices.
• Completes all documentation thoroughly and promptly. Reviews and makes recommendations to the facility concerning staff education needs and request. Provides in-services and obtains speakers to assist staff in improving their job performance.
• Operates a variety of respiratory care equipment such as oxygen concentrators, oxygen analyzers, nebulizers, humidifiers, suction machines, etc., on a regular basis.
• Participates in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement activities.

Team Dynamics:

• Effectively communicates with staff to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Creates a work atmosphere that promotes cooperation, respect, flexibility and teamwork amongst peers and staff.

Safety and Sanitation:

• Follow all established safety procedures and precautions when operating equipment.
• Report equipment malfunctions or breakdowns to the rehab director as soon as possible.
• Report all unsafe/hazardous conditions to the program manager immediately.

Customer Service:

• Maintains an adequate liaison with families, residents and patients.
• Demonstrates awareness, respect and concern for internal customers (coworkers) and external customers (i.e. patients, residents, families, physicians, referral sources)

Residents' Rights:

• Maintains CONFIDENTIALITY of all resident care information to assure resident rights are protected.
• Assures that the resident's rights to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage complaints, are followed.

Attendance:

• Observes rules, policies and regulations with regard to attendance, punctuality, appearance and professional attitude as established by the facility.

Miscellaneous:

• Conforms to the HIPAA Compliance Program and applicable facility policies for patient privacy.
• Conforms to the facility's policies and procedures.
• Physical, Emotional, Cognitive and Sensory Requirements

Physical:

• Able to push, pull, move, and or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum of 4 feet or carry 50 lbs. a minimum of 2 feet.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently throughout the day.
• Must be able to assist with the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Must pass Medical and Physical examination based on job qualifications, requirements and duties/responsibilities.

Emotional:

• Must have the willingness to work with severely physically, emotionally and cognitively compromised residents and patients.
• Must be willing to work in an environment with risk of personal injury, exposure to infectious waste/materials, infectious diseases and odors.
• Must be able to cope with the emotional stress associated with working with patients, families and coworkers.
• Must be able to work independently with periodic (daily or less) support and direction.

Cognitive:

• Must be alert and attentive to patients and work environment throughout day.
• Must be able to shift attention and task performance based on patient and facility requirements.
• Must be able to work in a distractible and stimulating environment.
• Must be able read, understand, and comply with all facility based policy and procedures
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills.

Sensory:

• Must have visual, hearing and sensory skills adequate to preserve patient and personal safety.