Respiratory Therapist-Per Diem

Position Summary:

 Qualifications: 

• Associate's Degree in respiratory care, cardiorespiratory sciences or related area as recognized by the New York State Board for Respiratory Therapy.  
• Two years full time acute care hospital PFT laboratory experience including at least 1 year PFT laboratory management experience. 
• New York State respiratory therapist license.  
• Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care with computer competency, including understanding of, and ability to work with Microsoft Windows and pulmonary function software programs. 
• Current CPR certification. 
• Proven evaluation and care planning skills.  
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, residents, and families from diverse backgrounds who may have physical, sensory and mental impairments.  
• Ability to analyze problems, plan resolution strategies, implement solutions and evaluate outcomes. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:   

• Per physician's order, administers therapeutic gases, aerosols and humidification efficiently and effectively. 
• Per physician's orders, caps and decannulates tracheostomy residents and monitors effectiveness.  Completes tracheostomy tube changes as ordered by physician. 
• Performs BiPaP and CPap therapy including gathering and fitting equipment appropriately and monitoring resident/patient compliance and effectiveness of the therapy. 
• Performs initial respiratory assessments and implements any respiratory orders from sending facility. Assesses resident upon admission for his/her baseline respiratory status and equipment needs. 
• Performs all standard pulmonary function tests under the direction of the medical staff.  
• Maintains open lines of communication between him/herself with Medical Director and Nurse Practitioner to communicate effectiveness or ineffectiveness of procedures. 
• Performs preadmission screens of resident including gathering information from sending facility.  Determines equipment needs for the resident in advance to provide for a smooth transition into the facility. 
• Provides education of resident/patient/family through one-on-one verbalization and hands-on demonstration in the areas of incentive spirometry and alternative breathing maneuvers. 
• Regularly follows up with noncompliant residents for further education geared toward increasing their compliance. 
• Performs training, education, and assistance to staff who are responsible for respiratory treatments including proper use of equipment. 
• Gather and set up all necessary equipment prior to admission based on screen of resident. 
• Makes recommendations regarding the purchasing of new equipment and supplies for the respiratory program. 
• Complies with, understands and role models all relevant regulations, policies, and exceeds or meets accepted standards of respiratory therapy practices.   
• Completes all documentation thoroughly and promptly. Reviews and makes recommendations to the facility concerning staff education needs and request. Provides in-services and obtains speakers to assist staff in improving their job performance. 
• Operates a variety of respiratory care equipment such as oxygen concentrators, oxygen analyzers, nebulizers, humidifiers, suction machines, etc., on a regular basis. 
• Participates in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement activities.   

Team Dynamics:

• Effectively communicates with staff to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Creates a work atmosphere that promotes cooperation, respect, flexibility and teamwork amongst peers and staff.

• Follow all established safety procedures and precautions when operating equipment.
• Report equipment malfunctions or breakdowns to the rehab director as soon as possible.
• Report all unsafe/hazardous conditions to the program manager immediately.

• Maintains an adequate liaison with families, residents and patients.
• Demonstrates awareness, respect and concern for internal customers (coworkers) and external customers (i.e. patients, residents, families, physicians, referral sources)

• Maintains CONFIDENTIALITY of all resident care information to assure resident rights are protected.
• Assures that the resident's rights to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage complaints, are followed.

• Observes rules, policies and regulations with regard to attendance, punctuality, appearance and professional attitude as established by the facility.

• Conforms to the HIPAA Compliance Program and applicable facility policies for patient privacy.
• Conforms to the facility's policies and procedures.
• Physical, Emotional, Cognitive and Sensory Requirements

Physical:

• Able to push, pull, move, and or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum of 4 feet or carry 50 lbs. a minimum of 2 feet.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently throughout the day.
• Must be able to assist with the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Must pass Medical and Physical examination based on job qualifications, requirements and duties/responsibilities. 

Emotional:

• Must have the willingness to work with severely physically, emotionally and cognitively compromised residents and patients.
• Must be willing to work in an environment with risk of personal injury, exposure to infectious waste/materials, infectious diseases and odors.
• Must be able to cope with the emotional stress associated with working with patients, families and coworkers.
• Must be able to work independently with periodic (daily or less) support and direction. 

Cognitive:

• Must be alert and attentive to patients and work environment throughout day.
• Must be able to shift attention and task performance based on patient and facility requirements.
• Must be able to work in a distractible and stimulating environment.
• Must be able read, understand, and comply with all facility based policy and procedures
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills.

Sensory:

• Must have visual, hearing and sensory skills adequate to preserve patient and personal safety.