Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Therapy, Per Diem

Respiratory Therapist

JOB SUMMARY

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory procedures under the direction of a provider or by protocols. The RT is expected to quickly adapt to technical advances in the field and to learn the use of new equipment and procedures.

Hourly Range:

$28.32 USD - $41.30 USD + + per diem differentials and applicable shift differentials

PRE-REQUISITES

Education:

Must have graduated from an accredited Respiratory Care program and have a current licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Vermont.

Experience:

1-2 years preferred. None required.

Certifications Required:

BLS, ACLS, NRP, PALS

Other:

The Respiratory Therapist must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span. He or she must be able to assess and interpret data about the patient's status in order to identify each patient's age specific needs and provide the care needed by the neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric patient group.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:

Respiratory Therapy Manager Other Contacts:

Patients and their families, Physicians, public, students and Hospital employees.

SCOPE:

Machinery or Equipment Used:

Volume and pressure limited ventilators, non-invasive ventilatory support systems, nebulizer equipment, etco2 monitors, pulse oximeters, bag-valve mask manual resuscitators, pulmonary function testing equipment, pressure manometers, oxygen analyzers, regulators for therapeutic gases, humidifiers, blood gas and pH analyzers, suction equipment, and electrocardiographs.

Physical Demands:

Good manual dexterity, and mobility is necessary; repetitive physical effort of lifting, pushing, pulling and walking briskly.

Working Conditions:

Regularly exposed to the risk of blood-borne disease. Frequent exposure to infectious respiratory organisms. Office and storage space is limited and work in special care areas is demanding and stressful. Due to the size of the department, extra hours on short notice may be assigned in order to maintain adequate staffing of clinical responsibilities.

Required Protective Equipment:

Lab coats, masks, face and eye protection. Sterile and non-sterile gloves and aprons.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Incorporates appropriate assessment and intervention skills in all interactions and delivery of nursing care including: Safety & protection Assessment Intervention Skills Evaluation Equipment use and management 2. Communicates with patients, team members, and management in an accurate and timely manner evidenced by: Talks with and listens to patients/team members Reports pertinent, concise information with applicable follow-up Complete timely, accurate clinical documentation/order entry Protects confidentiality of patient/colleagues 3. Applies critical thinking skills and utilizes best practices and current research. Organizes multitask workload Prioritizes and customizes patient plan of care Appropriately seeks assistance Collects/integrates data from patient and/or multiple sources Organizes/delivers care for multiple patient assignment 4. Develops and maintain human care relationships. Adapts care management for diverse populations and environment Advocates for needs of patients and/or families Provides care in ethical and legal manner Refers concerns/issues to appropriate resources Collaborates with all members of the multidisciplinary care team Demonstrates a therapeutic relationship for patients well being 5. Manages self and resources effectively. Acknowledges and adheres to limits of experience and capability Identifies learning needs and seeks resources Utilizes equipment and supplies appropriately Maintain clean, orderly environment of care Ensures noise and traffic control in "sensitive areas" Seeks out and accepts feedback Requests assistance appropriately 6. Applies leadership skills. Appropriately utilizes scope of practice for self and others Interacts with others in professional manner Manages conflict Delegates and assigns care Coordinates care within multi-disciplinary team Maintains professional conversation/conduct in environment of care 7. Incorporates teaching in delivery of care with a focus on health promotion by: Provides appropriate information to patient Assesses for barriers to learning Uses colleagues as a learning resource Provides counseling about health behaviors Supports the preceptorship program, students and job shadow experiences 8. Applies knowledge integration skills for the patient population served within unit. Provides age specific care Adults/Pediatric/infant medication dosages Using appropriate age-specific equipment Applies knowledge of expected norms in planning care Applies new data to improve care Integrates technical, psychological, social, intellectual and physical skills 9. Demonstrates the unit specific skills requisite for unit/patient population served. See unit specific competencies