Respiratory Therapist

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

Department: Respiratory Therapy

Position is located: Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

Work Type: PRN (Pool/Per Diem)

Hours Per Week: Variable

Work Schedule: Variable

Summary:

Respiratory Therapists assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. They collect and analyze sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine oxygenation and ventilation status. Respiratory therapist also measures lung volumes and capacities, deliver inhaled medication as prescribed and performs a verity of chest physiotherapies to aid in the treatment of pulmonary disease. Under the supervision of the department manager and medical director a Respiratory therapist I must have successfully completed either an associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy. All respiratory therapist I's must complete their board licensure testing as a CERTIFIED respiratory therapist and hold an active state license as a CERTIFIED respiratory technician and must obtain their REGISTERED respiratory therapy license within one year of hire. The RTI may provide care in all areas of the hospital, excluding NICU (at manager's discretion) but must be indirectly supervised by a registered respiratory therapist as per state law. Once licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist is obtained the RTI may be eligible for advancement to the RTII level.

Responsibilities:

* Mechanical ventilator initiation and management. • Insertion and/or care of artificial airways • Patient assessment, medication administration and recommendation for therapy, interpretation of clinical data • Airway clearance & bronchoscopy assist as appropriate • Participation in the Rapid Response Team, Code Team, Trauma Team, and Sepsis team as applicable by member • Participate in multi-disciplinary rounds in critical care areas and participate in education of students/other staff. • Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment. • Maintains a safe environment complying with NLH policies and procedures; reports and directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed. • May perform other duties upon request.

Other Information:

Competencies and Skills

* Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
* Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
* Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
* Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
* Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.
* Word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, database experience and other computer related skills.
* No previous experience required.
* Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
* Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.

Credentials

* Required Respiratory Therapist

Education

* Required Associate's Degree• Graduate of a 2-year Associate Degree or a 4-year Baccalaureate Degree NBRC approved Respiratory Therapy Program • Maine State professional license and meet the current license eligibility requirements of the NBRC • BLS certification

Working Conditions

* Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
* Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
* Prolonged periods of standing.
* Prolonged periods of walking.
* Alternate shift schedules (day, evening, nights, weekends).