Lead Respiratory Therapist

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.

At Bridgeport Hospital, we are committed to providing quality medical care and treatment that is coordinated and centered on the patient's specific needs. We strive to achieve benchmarks as a Patient Centered Medical Home and provide health care in a setting where patients are at the center of their care team. All employees of Bridgeport Hospital are part of the patients care team and contribute to the team approach of promoting access, continuous, comprehensive care and work to provide quality improvement in the care provided to their patients.

The Respiratory Therapist Lead 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 Respiratory Therapist Lead shall be responsible for the supervision and coordination of the work activities of department personnel on their respective shift. The RT Lead performs a variety of clinical activities in the assessment, treatment, and education of the patient with respiratory problems. The Respiratory Therapist Lead has demonstrated expertise in all therapies and services offered by the department. The Respiratory Therapist Lead is a role model mentor and expert resource to Level I, II and III therapists, and also actively supports and serves as a resource to other members of the patient care team. The Respiratory Therapist Lead assists department managers with scheduling, coordination of daily operational activities, staff competence assessment and other projects and duties as assigned.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

• 1. Clinical Application of Respiratory Care: Functions efficiently, resourcefully and skillfully in providing patients optimum age-specific respiratory care.
• 1.1 Assesses 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 patient?s clinical status, and therapeutic objectives.
• 2.1 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.
• 3.1 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 patient's clinical course and status.
• 4. Self-Development, Professionalism and Leadership - Assumes responsibility for maintaining clinical competency through continuing education, professional growth, and development.
• 4.1 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. Department Operations: Assist Department Managers with scheduling, coordination of daily operational activities, staff competence assessment, provision of outpatient services, equipment maintenance, and other projects, duties, as assigned.
• 5.1 Assists Supervisor to construct fair and equitable weekly departmental schedules in a timely fashion and collaborates with staff and managers to resolve scheduling issues in a fair and equitable manner.

EDUCATION

Completion of Respiratory Care Program approved by Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and current 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; must be enrolled.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 3 years as an RRT in Critical Care, Pediatric or Neonatal settings with at least 2 years at YNHHS as an RT III. RTs with previous leadership experience but less than 2 years' experience as an RT III at YNHHS may be considered as determined by the respiratory therapy leadership team.

LICENSURE

CT RCP License BLS/ACLS/NRP/ACLS Advanced LS ' related to patient population as assigned

SPECIAL SKILLS

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.