Respiratory Therapist II * Up to $20,000 Sign on *

Respiratory Therapist II

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

The Respiratory Therapist II is a health care professional who is a graduate of a program in Respiratory Care approved by the committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), is licensed by the State of Connecticut as a Respiratory Care Practitioner and is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The Therapist II performs a variety of clinical activities in the assessment, treatment, and education of the patient with respiratory problems. The Therapist II has demonstrated through experience and assessment to have expertise in all therapies and services offered by the department. The Therapist II is a role model, mentor and expert resource to the level I therapist and actively supports and serves as a resource to other members of the patient care team. The Therapist II supports departmental and interdepartmental quality improvement efforts.

Responsibilities

1. Clinical Application of Respiratory Care: Functions efficiently, resourcefully and skillfully in providing patients optimum age-specific respiratory care.

• Assess patient's pulmonary status employing basic skills, which include reviewing the medical chart, patient interview, physical examination, and interpretation of blood gases. Demonstrates proficiency and consistency with all assessment skills, including interpretation of x-ray and blood gases, RAW, CL graphic displays, etc. Demonstrates knowledge and interpretation of diagnostic procedures such as PPD, overnight oximetry, peak flow, arterial puncture, and sputum induction.

2. Documentation and Written Communication: Contributes to effective communication within the department through documentation of services administered, changes in patients clinical status, and therapeutic objectives.

• Records all care provided via electronic medical record accurately. Identifies patient on written documents by using MRN and patient labels as required by department and hospital policy. Notes consistently include ABGs, patient assessment, weaning assessment, and parameters. Maintains patient confidentiality with documentation practices.

3. Consultation and Collaboration and Oral Communication: Communicates clearly and appropriately with co-workers. Demonstrates a cooperative team spirit, effectively contributing to excellence of patient care.

• Patient report information is appropriate and conveys current patient status. Gives report using SBAR format and attentively, courteously accepts report in order to facilitate transition from one shift to the next. Accurately, completely, and concisely gives a safe hand off for all relevant clinical information on patients clinical course and status.

4. Self-Development, Professionalism and Leadership - Assumes responsibility for maintaining clinical competency through continuing education, professional growth, and development.

• Assumes responsibility for professional self-development. Keeps self-informed about current trends within the profession and new procedures/equipment in the department. Requests inservices as appropriate to maintain competencies for equipment and procedures. Maintains membership in AARC, NBRC or demonstrates other active participation in profession.

5. The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist (ES) is responsible for ensuring appropriate patient care through the continuous monitoring and assessment of the ECMO circuit, related technology, and patient status. The incumbent identifies and corrects problems associated with the ECMO procedure and initiates and evaluates interventions consistent with protocol. The ES consults with the ECMO physician when patient condition and/or protocol limits or directives are in question. As a member of the ECMO team, this position works closely with other team members and health care providers to provide patient care in accordance with the patients individualized care plan.

• Monitors and adjusts ECMO circuit settings (e.g. heat exchanger temperature, pump flow, sweep gas) to maintain parameters established by the ECMO physician. Demonstrate a culture of safety through a hand-off of the ECMO patient covering all aspects of the patients care and the state of the ECMO circuit.

Qualifications

Associates of Science degree and certificate of completion of Respiratory Care Program approved by Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and current active license by the State of Connecticut as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Bachelor of Science Degree preferred.

Minimum of 1 year as an RRT in Critical Care, Pediatric or Neonatal

CT RCP License BLS Advanced LS related to patient population as assigned (preferred)

Expert knowledge of respiratory care assessments, procedures, equipment, application and appropriate documentation. Excellent oral and written communication. Excellent organizational, leadership, supervisory and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under stressful conditions. Computer literacy.