Respiratory Therapist - Alliance at Waterbury Hospital – Middlebury, Connecticut

Offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus for experienced candidates

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Uses independent judgment, ingenuity and acquired knowledge to maintain a fast-paced inpatient and outpatient Respiratory Department to include and Outpatient PFT Lab.

Performs safe Respiratory Therapy modalities as ordered by physician, develops a plan of care based on assessment data and standards of care. Identifies need for alternative action in the treatment plan and involves the multi-disciplinary team in revisions to plan of care. Has a strong understanding to operate PFT lab independently as well as operate in the inpatient units as applicable.

Works collaboratively with other applicable departments on projects relating to the implementation of new CP equipment. Completes other related department work as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position. These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.

1. Perform outpatient PFTs, Sputum Inductions, ABGs, and EKGs.
2. Collaborates with Pulmonologists to ensure exams are read in a timely manner.
3. Calibrations on each PFT Machine/body box, daily.
4. Check expiration dates on the code box.
5. Performs routine maintenance on PFT machine. Troubleshooting PFT machine/body box and resolving any issues.
6. Equipment upkeep on all clinical equipment.
7. DME patient equipment; form completions, patient phone calls, and follow up.
8. Performs all respiratory care services according to Physician's order demonstrating a good knowledge of departmental policy and procedure and the ability to make appropriate decisions based on these policies and procedures.
9. Performs patient assessment prior to initiation of all respiratory therapy according to departmental policy and procedure.
10. Demonstrates proper operation, set-up and monitoring or equipment used for the delivery of therapeutic gases including mechanical ventilators, BIPAP/CPAP systems, Heli-Ox, Bubble CPAP, Hi-Flow O2, mechanical ventilation, heated humidifiers, nebulized and humidified O2, oxygen analyzers and suctioning equipment if applicable.
11. Consistently performs therapy as ordered and documents administration and non-administration in the EMR.
12. Mentors students in the clinical and ethical aspects of the Respiratory Therapy profession.
13. Performs all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• Minimum of Associate Degree in an approved Respiratory Care program, Bachelor’s preferred. Must provide copy of diploma or transcript upon hire.
• Must hold credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a current license from the State of Connecticut to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)- certification is desirable.
• Competent at recognizing arrhythmias.
• ACLS certification preferred.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification required.

COMPETENCIES

• PFTs, desat studies, EKGs, ABGs
• Strong patient advocate.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written and communications skills with patients, co-workers, Physicians, and ancillary departments.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple work sites as travel is required to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must possess a strong focus on customer service and the ability exhibit patience and empathy while providing care to a culturally diverse group of patients.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write using the English language.
• Effective written communication is required for accurate medical charting of respiratory services provided and concurrently clear and precise medical billing.
• Develops strong trusting relationships in order to gain support and achieve results.
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Requires knowledge and use of reference materials as provided in a multi-faceted environment.
• Ability to work in a business environment which requires the accessing of information from many sources, locations and media.