Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist provides age-appropriate respiratory care, operates, and maintains respiratory therapy equipment, performs diagnostic procedures, and administers treatments to patients in accordance with established clinical procedures, safety precautions, infection control practices and regulatory requirements. In addition, this position may provide training on respiratory techniques to hospital staff and students.


Responsibilities:
• Administers age-appropriate respiratory care in accordance with established procedures, safety precautions, and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to age-appropriate needs as follows: Neonates - oxygen hood, Infants - croup tents aerosol RX , Adult - all services, Geriatrics - special attention to fragility of bones and hearing deficits.
• Conducts routine equipment rounds to ensure proper working order and operation of specialized equipment.
• Replaces, cleans and stores department equipment as needed.
• Responds to emergency codes, Rapid Response and pages for cardiopulmonary assistance.
• Performs diagnostic procedures according to standard orders and physician's requests.
• Annotates patient medical records and completes required department paperwork in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Reviews and monitors therapy and treatment administered to patients to ensure adherence to physician's instructions.
• Consults with physicians, nurses and other hospital staff on respiratory cases requiring therapy.
• Maintains an adequate supply of oxygen and other gases.
• Participates in the instruction of students, nurses, and other hospital staff in therapeutic techniques.
• Attends in- service and continuing education programs.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.


Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience: Prior experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in a hospital setting preferred.

Education: Completion of an accredited two-year Respiratory Therapy Program.


Licenses / Certifications: A New York State Registered Respiratory Therapist License issued by New York State Department of Education required; current BLS certification required.