Respiratory Therapist

Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients?  Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference.  We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible. 

The Respiratory Therapist I will assist the provider in restoration of normal respiratory function in critically ill patients in accordance to established protocols and policies. The respiratory therapist is competent to provide services to patients from birth to adult geriatric.

• Requires the ability to provide high quality respiratory care services in the inpatient setting
• Possess computer skills such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Ability to assess patient status and take appropriate action is required:
  • Bronchodilator therapy via MDI, DPI, SVN
  • Bronchial hygiene: vibratory PEP therapy, chest physiotherapy
  • Lung inflation therapy: incentive spirometry, inexsufflation
  • Respiratory status including monitoring Sp02 and EtC02, combined with clinical assessment
• To assist the provider in the restoration of normal respiratory function in acute and critically ill patients
  • Sets up, monitors and maintains continuous mechanical ventilation equipment for the treatment of patients experiencing acute, chronic or impending respiratory failure, as determined by staff feedback and leadership observation
  • Applies intensive bedside respiratory therapy techniques, as determined by customer feedback and leadership observation
  • Documents the effectiveness of all therapies administered in the medical record 100% of the time, with no more than 1 exception per month
  • Performs specialized diagnostic procedures, as determined by provider feedback, leadership observation and department policy
  • Performs routine and emergency arterial blood gas punctures for the evaluation of patient’s acid-base status
• To insure that respiratory therapy is appropriately ordered throughout the hospital by participating in the respiratory care protocol system
  • Evaluates patients for appropriate forms of respiratory care by hospital protocol within 24 hours of patient’s admission to service
  • Reviews patient assessment and medical history pertinent to protocol evaluation, classify the need for respiratory care for individual patients, determined by evaluation being accepted by ordering M.D.
  • Presents patient history and suggested therapeutic programs to provider
• To assist the provider in accurately assessing and identifying acute changes in the cardiopulmonary status of critically ill patients
  • Documents accurate hemodynamic data on the 24-hour flowsheet, at least once and 8- hour shift
• Respiratory Care
  • Assess medical records daily for proper delivery and documentation for respiratory therapy procedures
  • Performs concurrent audits during patient hospitalizations while receiving respiratory therapy
• Performance Improvement and Quality Assurance
  • Works in consort with the manager and director by reporting PI matters been completed
  • Develops and maintains a department PI/QA project and reports findings monthly and quarterly
• Laboratory testing is performed following established policies and procedures only after training and competency has been completed
  • Performs and documents testing and quality control in accordance to established laboratory policies and procedures 100% of the time, as observed by supervisor and POC staff
  • Maintains and documents testing reagents/supplies and equipment according to established laboratory procedures as observed by supervisor and POC staff
• Performs similar or related duties as requested or directed
  • Performs other duties as requested and observed by supervisor, manager or director

Education: 

• 2 year / Associate Degree in Respiratory Care or...
• Graduate of a COARC accredited school for Respiratory Care as required by NYS to obtain NYS license, required

Experience:

• Respiratory Therapist experience prior to employment, preferred
• New graduate considered
• Requires a broad knowledge of respiratory care procedures, respiratory equipment and patient evaluation using protocol systems, preferred

Licensure/Certificates:

• NYS license as a Respiratory Therapist, required
• BLS and ACLS certifications within 6 months from date of hire, required
• CRT or RRT NBRC certification, required
• PALS and NRP certification, preferred

Skills:

• Computer Skills
  Communication
  Interacting with People
  Reading/Writing/Comprehension

Physical Requirements:

• Light Work - Exerting up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work
• Occasional crouching, kneeling, stooping
• Frequent typing/clerical/dexterity, grasping, hearing, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, stooping, seeing/monitor/computer use, talking, walking, visual acuity (color, depth, perception)
• Constant fit testing required

Hazards:

• Occasional radiation/radiant energy
• Frequent bodily fluids/bloodborne exposure

Travel:

• Occasional Travel - The job may require travel from time- to-time, but not on a regular basis

Bassett Healthcare Network’s commitment to our employees includes benefit programs carefully designed with the needs and values of all our employees in mind. Many of the benefits we offer are paid fully or in large part by Bassett. Our generous benefits offerings include:  

• Paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability protection
• Retirement benefits including an employer match 
• And more!

Specific benefit offerings may vary by location and/or position.

Salary is based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training, and fair market evaluation based on industry standards. The above compensation range represents a good faith belief of the compensation range by Bassett Healthcare Network, and its entities and affiliates, at the time of this posting or advertisement.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related condition), age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other status protected by law.