Respiratory Pulmonary Therapist I

Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients?  Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference.  We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible. 

Under the supervision of the Manager and the Medical Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory the Respiratory Pulmonary Therapist I will perform advanced, multifaceted, ATS guideline-based quality diagnostic studies including Pulmonary Function Testing, Bronchoprovocation Testing, Cardiopulmonary Testing and Bronchoscopy Assist. The employee will provide patient education in all aspects of inhaled pharmacologic agents with working knowledge of multiple drug delivery devices; provide education in multiple non-pharmacologic modalities including self-management, numerous respiratory modalities including chest physiotherapy,
secretion mobilization devices and non-pharmacologic disease management techniques; and patient navigation through processes listed in this description and according to specific department policies. 
Employee will be able to monitor patients and assess adequate ventilation status, recognize respiratory compromise and intervene with advanced airway management skills. Employee will provide community navigation in all aspects of home oxygen therapy and devices to facilitate pulmonary hygiene. Employee
will demonstrate the ability to teach and train staff at affiliate institutions to perform spirometry, including oversight of quality control to assure that all test results meet American Thoracic Society Standards. A working knowledge of ATS standards is required. Employee will oversee the quality control of data on multiple systems and inventory control of a wide range of equipment and supplies. Travel within the Bassett Network to support Pulmonary providers as needed may be required. Employee will be responsible to be assigned to on call shifts (full weekend coverage) as well as holiday shifts to provide on call coverage for Bronchoscopy assist. Must be able to orient new orienteers. Must be able to maintain supplies and inventory. May have inpatient duties at critical access hospitals.

• Requires the ability to provide high quality respiratory care services in the inpatient setting
  
• Possess computer skills such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel
  
• Ability to assess patient status and take appropriate action is required:
  
  • Bronchodilator therapy via MDI, DPI, SVN
    
  • Bronchial hygiene: vibratory PEP therapy, chest physiotherapy
    
  • Lung inflation therapy: incentive spirometry, inexsufflation
    
  • Respiratory status including monitoring Sp02 and EtC02, combined with clinical assessment
    
• Demonstrates competency in required respiratory skills review relevant to area of practice
  
• Ability to multi-task effectively in a rapidly changing environment
  
• To assist the provider in the restoration of normal respiratory function in acute and critically ill patients.
  
• Sets up, monitors and maintains continuous mechanical ventilation equipment for the treatment of patients experiencing acute, chronic or impending respiratory failure, as determined by staff feedback and leadership observation
  
• Applies intensive bedside respiratory therapy techniques, as determined by customer feedback and leadership observation
  
  • Documents the effectiveness of all therapies administered in the medical record 100% of the time, with no more than 1 exception per month
    
  • Performs specialized diagnostic procedures, as determined by provider feedback, leadership observation and department policy
    
  • Performs routine and emergency arterial blood gas punctures for the evaluation of patient’s acid-base status
    
• To ensure that respiratory therapy is appropriately ordered throughout the hospital by participating in the respiratory care protocol system
  
  • Evaluates patients for appropriate forms of respiratory care by hospital protocol within 24 hours of patient’s admission to service
    
  • Reviews patient assessment and medical history pertinent to protocol evaluation, classify the need for respiratory care for individual patients, determined by evaluation being accepted by
    ordering M.D.
    
  • Presents patient history and suggested therapeutic programs to provider
    
• To assist the provider in accurately assessing and identifying acute changes in the cardiopulmonary status of critically ill patients
  
  • Documents accurate hemodynamic data on the 24-hour flowsheet, at least once and 8-hour shift
    
• Respiratory Care
  
  • Assess medical records daily for proper delivery and documentation for respiratory therapy procedures
    
  • Performs concurrent audits during patient hospitalizations while receiving respiratory therapy
    
• Performance Improvement and Quality Assurance
  
  • Works in consort with the manager and director by reporting PI matters
    
  • Develops and maintains a department PI/QA project and reports findings monthly and quarterly
    
• Laboratory testing is performed following established policies and procedures only after training and competency has been completed
  
  • Performs and documents testing and quality control in accordance to established laboratory policies and procedures 100% of the time, as observed by supervisor and POC staff
    
  • Maintains and documents testing reagents/supplies and equipment according to established laboratory procedures as observed by supervisor and POC staff.
    
• Performs similar or related duties as requested or directed
  
  • Performs other duties as requested and observed by supervisor, manager or director

Education/Qualifications:

• 2 year/Associate Degree in Respiratory Care or Graduate of a COARC accredited school for Respiratory Care, as required by NYS to obtain license, required

Experience:

• Experience as a Respiratory Therapist, preferred
• New graduates considered
• Broad knowledge of respiratory equipment and patient evaluation using protocol systems, required

Licensure/Certificates:

• Current Respiratory Therapy Technician license, required
• NBRC certification, required
• BLS - Basic Life Support within 6 months from date of hire, required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support within 6 months from date of hire, required
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support, preferred
• NRP - Neonatal Life Support, preferred

Skills:

• Clinical Skills
• Communication
• Computer Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Interacting with People
• Reading/Writing/Comprehension

Physical Requirements:

• Light Work - Exerting up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects
• Occasional balancing, crouching, grasping, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, seeing/monitor/computer use, standing, stooping, fit testing
• Frequent typing/clerical/dexterity, talking, visual acuity (color, depth, perception) walking

Working Conditions:

• Occasional noise

Travel:

• The job may require travel from time-to-time, but not on a regular basis

Bassett Healthcare Network’s commitment to our employees includes benefit programs carefully designed with the needs and values of all our employees in mind. Many of the benefits we offer are paid fully or in large part by Bassett. Our generous benefits offerings include:  

• Paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability protection
• Retirement benefits including an employer match 
• And more!

Specific benefit offerings may vary by location and/or position.