Respiratory Therapist - Per Diem (NIGHTS)

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist provides clinical assessment and respiratory care to critically ill patients. Initiates, modifies, and discontinues therapeutic respiratory care procedures based on patient needs and clinical status. Analyzes and evaluates clinical patient data to determine appropriate therapies and interventions and makes recommendations to the medical staff regarding patient care plans. Provides direct patient care while collaborating with physicians and other members of the interdisciplinary care team.

Essential Functions

• Initiates and/or assists with appropriate respiratory tests and procedures, as ordered, to provide safe and effective care to patients.
• Responds to respiratory emergencies and safely transports mechanically ventilated patients when they are moved between units for diagnostic tests and procedures.
• Develops appropriate respiratory care plans and makes specific recommendations to physicians regarding indicated therapies. Schedules patient treatments as needed and provides consultation as an active member of the patient care team.
• Manages and administers all aspects of respiratory therapy in accordance with established respiratory care policies and procedures.
• Conducts regular bedside rounds and administers appropriate respiratory care modalities to assigned patients. Modifies treatment plans based on the patient's clinical status and response to therapy.
• Participates in the education of students, physicians, staff, patients, and families. Provides clinical supervision to respiratory therapy students in patient care areas.

Qualifications

Associate's Degree Respiratory Therapy required and Bachelor's Degree Respiratory Therapy preferred. Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No.

Licenses and Credentials: Basic Life Support [BLS Certification] preferred; Registered Respiratory Therapist [RRT] preferred; Neonatal Resuscitation Certification [NRP] preferred; Respiratory Therapist [Massachusetts] preferred; Respiratory Care Practitioner [State License] preferred.

Experience: Respiratory Care 0-1 year preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to be a subject matter expert in the area of Respiratory Therapy and be able to communicate effectively with patients, team members, and other healthcare disciplines.
• Ability to assess quickly and offer professional judgment to prepare appropriate care plan, and makes specific recommendations to physician for indicated therapy.
• Strong communication Skills.
• Ability to walk distances and push medical equipment weighing less than 100 pounds.
• May also be required to stand immobile for long periods of time.