Respiratory Therapist-Per Diem

Position Summary:

Plans, organizes and manages the effective and efficient delivery of respiratory therapy services within the facility. The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care, teaching and services to residents/patients to promote the highest level of pulmonary function attainable. Will act as a liaison between the hospital and facility for a smooth transition of respiratory patients. Responsible for performing initial respiratory therapy assessments and documenting assessment in the medical record.

• 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

• 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…