Respiratory Therapist - Sign-On Bonus

Respiratory Therapist

Sign-On Bonus: $25,000 for qualified Respiratory Therapists. $33 - $50.50 Per Hour, based on experience. Direct Hire Competitive Salary: Based on experience Exceptional Benefits Package. Full-time Available Shift: Evening. (72 hours per pay period) Location: Elmira, NY Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Main Function: Provide respiratory care services in accordance with physician orders, departmental protocols and policies and procedures under the supervision of the System Director or designated charge therapist.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains knowledge of various methods of oxygen delivery including the necessary equipment. Demonstrates the ability to adjust delivery devices specific to the age and condition of the patient. Assesses possible side effects to oxygen therapy. Follows the oxygen therapy protocol.
• Demonstrates ability to assess, implement and document respiratory care needs for patients post discharge.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments via various modalities for medication delivery, volume expansion and bronchial hygiene specific to the age of the patient in accordance with departmental protocols. Understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects.
• Initiates, maintains and discontinues mechanical ventilators, both invasive and non-invasive. Is able to perform the associated procedures for such treatment, specific to the age of the patient, such as airway management and suctioning.
• Performs arterial and capillary blood sampling and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedures. Appropriately labels and transports specimens for analysis.
• Demonstrates ability to analyze blood gas specimens without difficulty. Follows procedure for critical values including action, notification and documentation. Able to troubleshoot blood gas analyzers.
• Performs pulmonary function testing per ATS guidelines.
• Prepares patient and equipment for bronchoscopy and assists physician with procedure. Processes and transports specimens post procedure. Completes post procedure duties. Maintains an acceptable physician performance rating.
• Demonstrates ability to obtain a 12 Lead EKG of good quality. Completes associated documentation.
• Performs functional check on patient's own respiratory therapy equipment (CPAP, BiPAP) and completes documentation.
• Delivers oxygen tanks throughout the facility and returns empty tanks to tank storage room. Cleans and processes non-disposable respiratory therapy equipment. Replenishes RT equipment as needed.
• Demonstrates ability to obtain nasal specimens for Influenza A, Bordetella Pertussis and RSV testing. Properly transports specimens to Laboratory. Completes appropriate documentation.

Problem Solving|Decision Making:

• Demonstrates ability to organize and prioritize workload. Functions as part of the team.
• Maintains composure during crisis situations and responds appropriately.
• Demonstrates ability to assess a patient for respiratory therapy needs, educational needs and pain level. Develops and documents a plan of care based on assessments and implements changes when appropriate.
• Demonstrates effective conflict resolution processes.
• Practices effective problem identification and problem solution skills.

Education: Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist by the State of New York or eligible*. Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the NBRC or eligible*. *within 12 months of obtaining the NYS Technician License.

Experience: One year recent experience as a Respiratory Therapist preferred.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Requirements: Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 1 year of hire date.