Job Abstract

Respiratory Therapists are clinical specialist who provide quality care to patients and their families according to physician orders and approved protocols. Services provided include assessment, treatment and management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities which affect the cardiopulmonary system. This involves the application and analysis of respiratory care as it applies to clinical data, equipment, and therapeutic procedures.

Perform specific testing techniques to assist in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and research, including the measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressures and flows, specimen collection of blood and other materials, hemodynamic and other related physiological monitoring of cardiopulmonary systems, including the inserting, monitoring, and maintaining of arterial catheters and the monitoring and maintenance of other cardiovascular indwelling catheters, including central venous and pulmonary artery catheters following appropriate education and training.
Insertion of intravenous and intraosseous catheters in appropriately identified health care settings, including medical evacuation and transport vehicles, outpatient bronchoscopy facilities provided the respiratory care practitioner has completed a competency-based training and education program in the insertion and maintenance of such catheters
Insertion of nasogastric tubes, including such tubes used for the purpose of sensing diaphragmatic movements
Utilizes respiratory equipment in all modalities to include but not limited to: medical gases such as oxygen, Heliox, and nitric oxide therapy, IPPB treatments, aerosol treatments, chest physiotherapy and other airway clearance techniques according to physician orders or protocols to meet patient respiratory needs.
Provide education to patients, families and the general public to promote knowledge of disease process, therapies, self-help, cardiopulmonary wellness and disease prevention.
Initiates and maintains invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation according to physician order or protocol. Ensures patient – ventilator synchrony, maintains, monitors, measures and adjusts appropriately to assure proper function and to ascertain therapeutic effectiveness.
Administers pharmacologic, diagnostic and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures necessary to implement treatment, disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, or diagnostic regimen prescribed by a physician or protocol.
Assist physicians in patient assessment, response to therapies, and recommendations for changes in therapies.
Respond to all STAT situations involving Respiratory Care, requiring the need for airway management and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Maintains natural airways as well as the insertion and maintenance of artificial airways
Perform or assist with fiberoptic bronchoscopy, oximetry, VD/VT and O2 consumption, tracheobronchial suctioning, tracheostomy tube changes, intubations, bedside spirometry and EKG’s, arterial puncture and analysis of blood using point of care.
Team member of the Critical Care Transport Team. Transports pediatric and neonatal patients requiring respiratory interventions or supervision as needed.
Contribute in the development and revision of Respiratory policies, procedures and protocols.
Promote continuous learning and expand expertise by engaging in and seeking opportunities to develop self and others with the goal of achieving a self-directed work team. Collaborate in the development and implementation of research and/or quality improvement activities.
Participate in clinical affiliation programs and/ or orientation and education of respiratory therapist and other health care professionals.
Works efficiently as a team member by consulting with physicians, RNs and other RTs within and across clinical settings to provide quality respiratory care to patients and service to medical center units through communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
Demonstrate knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients and families.
Demonstrate support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the CCMC STANDARDS.
Carry Shift Coordination Pager as required
Independent in job duties with minimal supervision required in all patient care areas, including but not limited to: NICU, PICU, ED, Transports, Med Surgical floors, PACU and outpatient

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Required: Graduate of an accredited school of Respiratory Care.
• Minimum of an Associated Degree in Respiratory Care.

Education and/or Experience Preferred:

• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree is preferred
• Preferred: Neonatal and Pediatric Experience preferred

License and/or Certification Required:

• Required: Current State of Connecticut license as Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) (RRT)
  New graduates with the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential will be considered but must achieve the (RRT) credential within 1 year of hire.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required within 6 months of hire or before staff has completed dept. orientation if that is longer than 6 months.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) required within 6 months of hire or before staff has completed dept. orientation.

License and/or Certification Preferred:

• Preferred: Credentialed by the NBRC as a Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist, preferred