Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Care

• Patient testing
• Obtains and analyzes arterial blood samples.
• Performs pulse oximetry and capnography.
• Performs EKG and pulmonary function testing, taking into account the individual patient's special or age related needs.
• Evaluates diagnostic tests for changes: Chest X-rays for airway placement, ABGs for oxygenation and ventilation, pulmonary function studies, sleep studies, ventilator weaning parameters, EKG changes and other respiratory related diagnostic tests.

• Education and training
• Explains the disease process, medications, and the goals of therapy to the patient/family.
• Provides educational support for patient/families during delivery of respiratory care services, discharge planning activities, and outpatient procedures. Provides educational support for other health care team members who are involved with patient care.
• Participates in the orientation of new therapists to assure appropriateness and efficiency of educational delivery.
• Participates in the education of students and new employees in related healthcare professions, e.g. Nursing, Pharmacy, and Emergency Medical Technicians.

• Safety and infection control
• Assembles, adjusts and checks respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Initiates/recommends repair when needed.
• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance and QC on the arterial blood gas machines per manufacturer specifications.
• Recommends technology most appropriate to maximize patient comfort, safety, and special or age related needs and provide effective and appropriate use of technology.
• Follows safety, environmental and infection control policies.
• Maintains established department policies, procedures and objectives.

• Professional development
• Strengthens personal therapeutic knowledge and clinical skills through participation in or presentation of continuing education programs offered through Respiratory Care Services and other related internal or external education programs.
• Attends qualified continuing education programs to maintain a NYS Respiratory Therapist license and national RRT credential.
• Must attend one infant and one adult Respiratory skill lab per year to meet the RT education requirement.

• Performance improvement
• Evaluates quality of respiratory care of assigned patients for the purpose of:
• Necessary modifications and adjustments of the care plan or equipment.
• Collecting specific respiratory care data using Respiratory Care Services defined criteria and instruction to submit for evaluation and review.
• Attends meetings as required and participates on committees as directed.
• Demonstrates regard for the dignity and respect of all patients, family members, visitors and hospital personnel as defined in the philosophy and mission of Glens Falls Hospital.
• Maintains harmonious working relationships and clear communication practices for purposes of continually improving quality patient care.

• Education/Accredited Programs
• Graduate with certification of completion from a two year approved training program in Respiratory Care; an Associate’s Degree is required to meet the requirements of the National Board of Respiratory Care to take the RRT exam.
• Minimum of one year of clinical experience as a Respiratory Therapist in an acute care hospital or long-term ventilator facility is preferred.

• Licenses/Certifications/Registrations
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist/Technician in accordance with Title VIII of N.Y. State Education Law. Required to obtain a NYS Respiratory Therapist license within 6 months of employment.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
• Current BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP certification is required with recertification every two years.

• Skills/Abilities
• Skill in performing arterial punctures and analyzing arterial samples.
• Skill in operating computerized pulmonary function equipment and mechanical ventilators.
• Ability to work with department computer applications and the computerized medical record.
• Ability to operate various respiratory equipment.
• Demonstrates clinical competence in patient care and skill in administering respiratory therapy medications.
• Ability to effectively communicate in both written and verbal fashion, promoting a team approach to patient care.
• Demonstrate professional growth through continuing education activities.
• Ability to remain calm and work effectively during emergency or stressful situations. Ability to organize and prioritize work to complete tasks in a specific time frame.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, coworkers, medical staff and the public.
• Ability to adapt quickly to unexpected changes in work assignment.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, department policies, procedures and instrument printouts.
• Ability to document brief reports regarding tests results, therapy given and operational problems/follow up.
• Ability to present information and respond to questions from coworkers, patients and physicians.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts of normal range and standard deviations.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages and ratios, as applied to technical procedures and administration of medications.
• Ability to solve problems regarding therapy instrumentation, technical procedures or testing results.
• Ability to interpret instructions from policy and procedure manual, or vendor manuals that are in written and/or diagram form.
• Ability to take verbal instruction from physicians, nurses and coworkers.
• Demonstrates ability to work with patients of all ages, from infant to elderly according to department policy and procedure.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards, National Patient Safety Standards and precautions to establish and maintain a safe work environment.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.

Trumbull County, DSPs, Evenings & Weekends, All Positions , $16 to $20/hr