LICENSED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Job Description

Are you ready to join an organization where delivering high quality patient-centered care, compassion, teamwork, and integrity are the basis for how we work? At Arnot Health, we are focused on delivering high-quality, safe, cost-effective, socially responsible health care services.

Arnot Health, an integrated healthcare delivery system, is conveniently located in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region of New York, which is known for its charm, scenic settings, and historical significance. We offer competitive pay, benefits, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and advancement opportunities. We welcome your application.

MAIN FUNCTION:

Provide respiratory care services in accordance with physician orders, departmental protocols and policies and procedures under the supervision of the System Director, designated charge therapist or licensed physician.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Skills:

1. Maintains knowledge of various methods of oxygen delivery including the necessary equipment. Demonstrates the ability to adjust delivery devices specific to the age and condition of the patient. Assesses possible side effects to oxygen therapy.

2. Demonstrates the ability to assess, implement and document respiratory care needs for patients post discharge.

3. Administers respiratory therapy treatments via various modalities for medication delivery, volume expansion and bronchial hygiene specific to the age of the patient in accordance with departmental protocols. Understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects.

4. Initiates, maintains and discontinues mechanical ventilators, both invasive and non-invasive. Is able to perform the associated procedures for such treatment, specific to the age of the patient, such as airway management and suctioning.

5. Performs arterial and capillary blood sampling and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedures. Appropriately labels and transports specimens for analysis.**

6. Demonstrates ability to analyze blood gas specimens without difficulty. Follows procedure for critical values including action, notification and documentation. Able to troubleshoot blood gas analyzers.

7. Performs pulmonary function testing per ATS guidelines.**

8. Prepares patient and equipment for bronchoscopy and assists physician with procedure. Processes and transports specimens post procedure. Completes post procedure duties. Maintains an acceptable physician performance rating.

9. Demonstrates ability to obtain a 12 lead EKG of good quality. Completes associated documentation.**

10. Performs functional check on patient's own respiratory therapy equipment (CPAP, BiPAP) and completes documentation.

11. Delivers oxygen tanks throughout the facility and returns empty tanks to tank storage room. Cleans and processes non-disposable respiratory therapy equipment. Replenishes RT equipment as needed.

12. Demonstrates ability to obtain nasal specimens for Influenza A, Bordetella Pertussis and RSV testing. Properly transports specimens to Laboratory. Completes appropriate documentation.

Patient's Rights:

13. Is knowledgeable of and follows Patient's Rights.**

14. Maintains confidentiality. Only accesses patient information necessary to complete assigned tasks.

15. Follows Arnot Health policy for patient identification prior to administering medications, treatments, procedures or sampling blood.

Problem Solving/Decision Making:

16. Demonstrates ability to organize and prioritize workload. Functions as part of the team.**

17. Maintains composure during crisis situations and responds appropriately.

18. Demonstrates ability to assess a patient for respiratory therapy needs, education needs and pain level. Develops and documents a plan of care based on assessments and implements changes when appropriate.

19. Demonstrates effective conflict resolution processes.**

20. Practices effective problem identification and problem solution skills

Professionalism:

21. Conducts self in a professional manner with all customers. Dresses appropriately.

22. Documents all pertinent information in the patient chart and charges when appropriate with emphasis on correct time documentation.**

23. Explains the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment to patient and their families in a pleasant, respectful and professional manner.

24. Follows the attendance and punctuality policies of Arnot Health.

25. Assumes responsibility to attend all mandatory in-services as required. Assumes responsibility for information shared at department meetings.

26. Assumes responsibility for own actions.

27. NYS licensed Respiratory Therapists may be assigned the role of charge therapist. Completes all charge therapist associated duties. Demonstrates ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities in a fair and equitable manner.

Risk Management & Quality Improvement:

28. Demonstrates awareness and application of safety issues. Adheres to infection control, universal precautions and safety policies in addition to respiratory therapy policies, procedures and protocols. Utilizes personal protective equipment appropriately.

29. Participates in Quality Improvement activities and demonstrates principles in daily work.

30. Identifies opportunities for improvement in communication, working relationships and implements methods for improvement.

Other:

31. Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.

32. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.

33. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist or Technician by the State of New York. Credentialed as a Certified Respiratory Therapist by the NBRC

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 1 year of hire date

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum new graduate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Good physical and mental health with the ability to withstand long periods of walking, standing and manipulating heavy equipment. Occasional lifting and bending.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

** A.D.A Essential Functions

Requirements

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