Per-diem Respiratory Therapist

Overview

The Per-diem Respiratory Therapist role supports the mission of Smilow Cancer Hospital by providing restorative and interventional care to patients with chronic and acute respiratory conditions. The role is part of the critical care team and collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals.

• Reviews all physician orders prior to administering therapeutic modalities, monitors for appropriateness, and contacts nurses or physicians for clarification as needed.
• Performs patient assessment prior to and upon completion of all therapies according to established policies.
• Administers various modalities of respiratory care to achieve desired outcomes for specific treatment modalities and documents patient response appropriately.
• Evaluates all patients for response to therapy and refers those patients with unusual, unanticipated, or adverse therapeutic responses immediately to the appropriate individual or individuals per department policy for further intervention.
• Suggests modification of treatment plan based on assessment of patient responses.
• Participates in patient/family education regarding goals of therapy, proper use of medications, breathing exercises/techniques, oxygen and therapy equipment, and skills required to manage care.
• Gathers appropriate data for use in clinical treatment of the patient and updates every shift as appropriate and documents this process according to department policy/procedures.
• Utilizes the clinical information system and has the knowledge of the operation of all equipment and troubleshooting equipment in various settings according to department policies.
• Is able to perform in emergency situations utilizing appropriate resuscitative techniques, airway management and use of resuscitative equipment.
• Provides respiratory care and support for patients requiring transportation NICU through adult and provides support should there be an oxygen system failure.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement and performs diagnostic testing and completes necessary paperwork for pulmonary rehabilitation staff.
• Operates all equipment safely, follows all procedures on safe patient interactions and body mechanics, obtains and maintains proper vaccinations and immunizations as required, and adheres to all safety procedures in handling hazardous materials and blood-born pathogens.
• Meets performance expectations for customer service, teamwork, resource utilization, staff development, and self development as outlined in performance review.
• Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the department/unit.

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of respiratory therapy with credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist or credential of a Certified Respiratory Therapist with eighteen months to obtain RRT credential.

Experience: May begin as entry level practitioner with no experience but must successfully attain necessary skills during orientation and probationary period.

Licensure: Current state of Connecticut license is a requirement.

Special

Skills:

Cross trained staff in cardiology, pulmonary lab, and/or pulmonary rehabilitation.

Smilow Cancer Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.