Reg. Resp. Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) will perform a comprehensive assessment of patients referred to Pulmonary Rehab to determine effectiveness and appropriateness. The RT will develop an appropriate exercise prescription, and continuously update as needed, for the patient. The RT will make appropriate clinical decisions based on physical assessment and chart review.

The RT will monitor pulmonary rehab patients during exercise sessions and notify attending physicians of abnormal physiological responses to exercise. The RT will provide vigilant monitoring and supervision of patients during utilization of exercise equipment. Providing the patient and referring physician with necessary information regarding patient status, progress, and responses to exercises is imperative. The RT will work collaboratively with the whole care team including the Pulmonary Rehab Coordinator, Medical Director, and other staff to ensure quality, individualized care for all patients.

The RT will also provide ongoing education to pulmonary rehab patients on pulmonary risk factors, activity modification, exercise planning, and home activities, amongst many others.

The RT demonstrates professional work behavior according to the American Association of Respiratory Care code of conduct and by following Service Standards and Success factors of Stamford Hospital. The RT complies with departmental organizational policies and procedures and adheres to external agency requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: Must have graduated from an accredited program in Respiratory Therapy and hold a current Connecticut State license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. The therapist must be registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. The RT must maintain certification in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support according to the American Heart Association.

PATIENT POPULATION SERVED: All age groups

MANUAL SKILLS: Significant portions of the daily assignments involve application of manual skills requiring motor coordination in combination with finger dexterity (e.g., typing, equipment operation, and treatments).

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Significant portions of the daily assignments involve prolonged standing, transporting material, equipment, patients, or lifting, moving, or carrying heavy (over 30 pounds) for intermittent periods throughout the day.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: Some portions of daily assignments involve exposure to dirt, odors, noise, or include patient care responsibilities with exposure to human waste, bodily fluids and similar elements. Working surfaces may be unleveled, slippery, or unstable. Some portions of daily assignments involve occupational risk such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, injuries from falls, and back injury sustained while assisting with moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials.