HOURLY RANGE

$37.38 - $47.05 DISTINGUISHING

FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves administering a variety of respiratory care services to patients with pulmonary and cardiac diseases and other respiratory complications at the Erie County Medical Center Corporation. The incumbent sets up and operates equipment and administers respiratory therapy with the concurrence of a qualified physician. Work is performed under the general supervision of higher-level professional and medical staff. Supervision is only a function of this position when a license holder is performing direct supervision over the performance of a permit holder. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Performs patient care activities in compliance with provider's orders and according to applicable work standards, policies and procedures; Responsible for setting up, operating, cleaning and storing respiratory equipment; Records clinical and technical information on patients receiving respiratory care services in patient record; Manages all artificial and natural airways; responsible for assessment and care of tracheostomy sites, endotracheal tube placement, cuff pressures, suctioning, etc.; Provides respiratory support by utilizing various non-invasive positive pressure devices; Sets up mechanical ventilators, assess patients and suggest recommendations for airway management; Performs patient education and discharge planning for patients requiring home respiratory care to include home oxygen evaluations; Evaluates patients for respiratory treatments and administers all forms of respiratory therapy treatments including, but not limited to: aerosol therapy, metered dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI), incentive spirometry, sputum inductions, peak flows, etc.; Transports critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and assists in the operating room with patients on complex mechanical ventilation settings; Performs daily weaning assessments; Responds to medical emergencies; Performs CPR and arterial blood gases; Delivers complete and comprehensive verbal report to the oncoming shift by reporting all information relevant to patient's plan of care and anticipated challenges; Provides clinical education for respiratory care students.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment and terminology associated with respiratory therapy care; good knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, accreditation standards, and ECMCC policies and procedures; skill in the safe operation and maintenance of respiratory care equipment utilized at ECMCC; ability to observe and record patient health status as it relates to administration of respiratory therapy care; ability to educate patients on home respiratory care practices; ability to evaluate patient health status, determine patient treatment needs and administer proper respiratory therapy care; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency; ability to utilize a variety of electronic software applications; sound professional judgment; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's Degree or higher degree in Respiratory Therapy or closely related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility for licensure or limited permit to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner at time of application; Possession of a license or limited permit

• to practice Respiratory Therapy in New York State at time of appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment; Possession of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credential
• (see Note 2) as issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within twelve (12) months of appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment; Possession of Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification at time of application and maintenance throughout duration of appointment.
• NOTE 1: In accordance with Article 164, Section 8511 of New York State Education Law, a limited permit expires "one year from the date of issuance or upon written notice to the permittee by the department (New York State Education Department) that the application for registration has been denied, or ten days after notification to the permittee of failure on the professional licensing examination, whichever first occurs.

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• NOTE 2: Permanent employees hired prior to October 26, 2016, that possess and maintain a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Credential but not do possess and maintain a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credential shall remain deemed qualified for this title.

NOTE 3: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.