Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Care

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists receive a $15,000 sign on bonus. We also help out with relocation.

Dartmouth Health is looking for full-time Registered Respiratory Therapists who want to work in a fast-paced critical care environment with a high degree of autonomy using a multitude of respiratory driven protocols. We are offering the opportunity to work at an academic medical center in a rural environment. Experience incredible facilities, academic rigor, and a commitment to compassionate care in an environment that allows respiratory therapists to thrive in a growing department. Qualified candidates must be a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). New graduates are welcome to apply and obtain their RRT within six months of hire.

Dartmouth Health is a national leader in patient-centered health care. With operations across New Hampshire and Vermont serving a population of 1.9 million patients, the system includes Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics (New Hampshire's only academic medical center and Level 1 trauma center), a large multispecialty physician practice, the Dartmouth Cancer Center (a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center), the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth Health, a community hospital and critical access hospitals.

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics is an academic medical center located in Lebanon, New Hampshire in the Upper Connecticut River Valley on the NH and VT border. Home to Dartmouth College, the Upper Valley is a vibrant, academic and professional community offering excellent schools, lively arts, and an unmatched quality of life in a beautiful, rural setting. Amenities associated with urban areas in Boston MA, Burlington VT, and Montreal, QC are all within a few hours drive. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics as One of America's Best Hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Reviews existing data in patient record. Collects and evaluates additional pertinent clinical information by inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and patient interview.
• Inspects chest x-ray to determine presence of or changes in consolidation, atelectasis, pneumothorax, opacification, position of tracheal tube and other conditions.
• Recommends respiratory care alternatives to meet patient care objectives. Recommends the collection of additional pertinent data through chest x-ray, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function studies, and other laboratory tests.
• Performs and evaluates bedside spirometry, pulmonary mechanics and pulmonary function studies. Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for identified pathophysiological state.
• Selects, assembles and checks the equipment for proper function, operation and cleanliness, including correction of malfunctions. Performs procedures for disinfection and sterilization.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of a patient airway, including maintenance of adequate humidification, use of appropriate oro-nasopharyngeal airways, and changing of tracheostomy tubes. Explains planned therapy and goals to patient.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve removal of bronchopulmonary secretions, and administers prescribed pharmacologic agents.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate spontaneous and artificial ventilation.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation including adjustment of oxygen concentration, adjustment of PEEP/CPAP, and prevention of "iatrogenic" hypoxemia.
• Evaluates and monitors patient's response to respiratory therapy. Modifies treatment techniques based on patient response to IPPB, incentive breathing devices, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
• Initiates, conducts and modifies respiratory therapy techniques in an emergency setting, including CPR, monitoring and patient transport.
• Records therapy and results as required by hospital policy and regulating agencies; communicates information to appropriate members of health care team.
• May assist physician performing bronchoscopy, tracheostomy, and invasive monitoring.
• Develops education and training programs, and conducting of in-service training for departmental and non-departmental staff.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Required Licensure/Certifications

• Licensed Respiratory Practitioner within the State of NH
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) required within six (6) months of hire.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) upon hire; new grads may obtain within 6 months of hire.
• BLS required at time of hire.