Registered Respiratory Therapist II

Per Diem Respiratory Therapist Opportunity

Position at Norwalk Hospital Association Per Diem Respiratory Therapist Opportunity! At Nuvance Health, we cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected and supported. Together, we are a team of 15,000+ strong hearts and open minds. If you share our values of connected, personal, agile and imaginative, we invite you to discover what's possible for you and your career.

Norwalk Hospital is a 366-bed academic and community medical center serving Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the surrounding New York Metro area. We are a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, and we provide advanced cancer, heart, and neuroscience care. Our accolades include:

• The Leapfrog Group - Grade A for quality and patient safety
• Healthgrades - America's 50 Best Hospitals
• U.S. News & World Report - high performance in heart failure treatment

At Norwalk Hospital, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, fostering a friendly and supportive culture where collaboration and compassion are at the heart of what we do. From the moment you step through our doors, you'll experience a sense of community that makes our hospital a truly special place to work. Our employees feel a deep connection here because we're not just part of the community – we are its center.

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: Provides respiratory support for patients on ventilators (adults, pediatrics, 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. 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. Responsible for the implementation of Respiratory Care procedures. Evaluates and makes recommendations in the therapies rendered according to approved policy, procedure and protocols. Delivers non-standard modes of therapy after appropriate training (including Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy). Documentation of therapy. Responsible for accurate, timely documentation of treatment in the patient's record. 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. 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. Provides a neat, clean working environment. 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. 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. BLS. 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.