Registered Respiratory Therapist II

Respiratory Therapist Position at Norwalk Hospital Association

Northwell is the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast, serving residents of New York and Connecticut with 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians. Northwell cares for more than three million people annually in the New York metro area, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Northwell is New York State's largest private employer with over 104,000 employees — including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners — who are working to change health care for the better.

Summary:

Responsible for clinical evaluation of patients and delivery of respiratory care as required. Participate in activities that enhance the role and recognition of the registered respiratory therapist.

Responsibilities:

1. Provides respiratory support for patients on ventilators (adults, pedi, and neonatal) by monitoring, evaluating, and making clinical judgements. Performs therapeutic modalities with a full understanding of pathophysiology and indication for therapy. Takes appropriate action if such therapy is contraindicated or side effects develop. Uses special monitoring skills such as ECG, physiologic data, lab results, ventilator graphics, A-lines and End-tidal CO2 when available to assess patient care decisions.

2. Responsible for the implementation of Respiratory Care procedures. Evaluates and makes recommendations in the therapies rendered. Evaluates, prepares and instructs patients. Performs basic assessments i.e; auscultation of breath sounds, pulses, respiratory pattern and rate, color, cough, and sputum to assess appropriateness of therapy. Recommends therapy and changes as needed. Care delivered includes but is not limited to therapeutic and diagnostic administration of medical gases, humidification and aerosols, administration of drugs and medications to the cardiorespiratory systems, ventilator assistance, postural drainage, chest physiotherapy, vest therapy (HFCWO), breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintenance of natural and artificial airways as well as insertion of artificial airways. Contributes data for CQI when assigned or upon recognition of particular need. Delivers non standard modes of therapy after appropriate training (including Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy).

3. Documentation of therapy. Responsible for accurate, timely documentation of treatment in the patient's record. Information is to be charted in the appropriate record in complete detail. These records are the treatment card and the Cerner electronic health record.

4. Provides pulmonary function testing and evaluations when required including: arterial blood gases, obtaining blood samples from indwelling arterial catheters, blood gas analysis, bedside spirometry, pulse oximetry and titration, measurement of ventilator volumes, flows and pressures, and Q/C for the blood gas analyzers. (Advance level performs PFT's and troubleshoots / repairs lab equipment). Performs tests accurately using proper techniques.

5. Provides safe administration of mixed medical gases. Helps maintain inventory and ventilator readiness. Chooses and prepares proper equipment, implements therapy and monitoring devices safely. Complies with infection control policies, aseptic and sterile techniques, hand washing and equipment changes. Uses equipment safely. Cares for equipment, identifies problems and makes recommendations. Minimizes waste and damage.

6. Annual competencies - Servo i, Draeger V500, V60, AVEA, MRI compatible ventilators, Transport Ventilators Ensures that competencies are completed in a timely manner assists with department competency training on specific modalities for both current staff members and orientation of new hires in the department.

7. Provides instruction for Respiratory and Nursing students, medical staff, patients and families. Interacts with patients and families to provide information and support for diagnosis/therapies. Reports all necessary facts and provides appropriate information based on scientific fact and/or clinical experience. Documents patient education in the electronic health record.

Required:

Associate's degree from an accredited Respiratory Care Program. Minimum Experience: one year. Licensure in State of Connecticut, Dept. of Public Health License as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP).

Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Maintain Registry Credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Maintain Connecticut State Licensure as Respiratory Care Practitioner.

Working Conditions:

Manual: significant manual skills/motor coord & finger dexterity

Occupational: Some occupational risk

Physical Effort: Medium to Heavy effort. May exert up to 35 lbs. force

Physical Environment: Some exposure to dirt, odors, noise, human waste, etc.

Company: Norwalk Hospital Association

Org Unit: 366

Department: Pulmonary Medicine

Exempt: No

Salary Range: $33.21 - $61.68 Hourly