Senior Respiratory Therapist

Job Title: Senior Respiratory Therapist Department: Respiratory Location: Rochester Regional Health St. Mary's Medical Campus, 89 Genesee St., Rochester, NY 14611 Hours Per Week: 36 Schedule: 7am - 7:30pm, Weekend rotation required, No on-call SUMMARY In any patient care setting, Senior Respiratory Therapist will implement and update care plans, perform cardiopulmonary evaluation, administer respiratory therapy treatments and therapies, and provide education to the patient, family, other team members, students, and the public. Senior Respiratory Therapist will also provide administrative support to the Respiratory Care Department. Evaluation includes acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data obtained from physiological specimens, performing diagnostic tests, and performance of history and physical related to respiratory care. Treatments and therapies include the application and monitoring of medical gases (excluding anesthetic gases) and environmental control systems, mechanical ventilator and/or positive pressure therapy, artificial airway care and maintenance, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pharmacologic agents related to respiratory care procedures, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Education includes providing and documenting education to patient and family, acting as preceptor for both orienting team members and students assigned to rotations at RGHS affiliates, and providing public education upon request. Administration of the Respiratory Care Department may consist of any combination of these tasks: Performing as acting clinical supervisor for an assigned shift. Managing the respiratory care case load in outpatient service areas such as ElderONE on a regular basis. Performing chart audits. Participating in quality and safety initiatives. Reviewing and updating policies, procedures and competencies. Assisting with evaluation of new products and equipment. Learning and performing new tasks outside the regularly performed assignments, e.g., pulmonary functions, bronchoscopy assisting, arterial line insertion, endotracheal intubation. RESPONSIBILITIES Reviews and evaluates existing data in the patient record including patient history, physical exam, current vital signs, admission and current respiratory care orders for each patient assigned. Reviews and evaluates other pertinent data, such as blood gas and other laboratory results, hemodynamic monitoring, electrocardiogram, and radiology study reports, specific to each patient assigned. Advises providers on appropriate respiratory care procedures and techniques for a given patient care situation. Selects, assembles, and checks respiratory care equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness. Recommends, conducts and documents prescribed therapeutic procedures of all types, including medication administration, airway care, bronchial hygiene, oxygen and aerosol therapy, ventilator support, and monitoring and diagnostic procedures. Monitors and documents all pertinent clinical parameters on all assigned patients according to departmental policies and procedures. Modifies therapeutic techniques based on patient response. Provides and documents patient education for therapeutic procedures performed. Initiates and updates respiratory care plan for all patients per department policy and procedure. Works collaboratively with other members of the health care team to implement the plan of care. Maintains ACLS certification and initiates optimum emergency resuscitation procedures. Respiratory therapists employed in to non-acute areas are excluded from the ACLS requirement. Communicates information regarding patient’s clinical status to appropriate members of health care team according to departmental policies and procedures. For inpatient senior therapists, functions in all clinical areas of the hospital as either primary therapist or relief therapist. Coaches, mentors, and trains new staff in their assigned duties in order to achieve a standard of excellence in Respiratory Therapy. Participates in the instruction of Respiratory Care team members, students and other health professionals in respiratory care procedures. For inpatient senior therapist, performs all duties of the charge therapist if assigned, including leading shift huddle, ensuring adequate equipment and supplies, monitoring and adjusting staffing levels, problem solving and troubleshooting, assisting other staff, and documentation of all department activities during the assigned shift. For outpatient senior therapist, oversees the care of all patients including setting up visit schedules, attending morning meetings, when possible, orientation of new ElderONE care staff, attending family meetings, and maintaining/updating all summary documents. Continually monitors assigned clinical areas and brings concerns to supervisor or manager; participates in determining solutions to identify problems. Assists manager or supervisor with quality control and performance improvement activities as assigned. Performs chart audits as assigned. Assists with evaluation of products and equipment as assigned. Reviews and updates policies, procedures and competencies as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent certificate 2 years previous full-time critical care experience in respiratory care; part time and per diem experience will be pro-rated to determine eligibility REQUIRED LICENSURE/CREDENTIALS New York State Respiratory Therapist license with current registration Current NBRC RRT credential for all Respiratory Therapist entering the field after 9/1993 ACLS certification (current) within one year of hire Respiratory therapists employed in non-acute (pulmonary or Long-Term Care) areas are excluded from the ACLS requirement EDUCATION AS PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS RT - Respiratory Therapist - New York State Education Department (NYSED) RTT - Respiratory Therapy Technician - New York State Education Department (NYSED) PAY RANGE $37.82 - $49.38 #J-18808-Ljbffr