Respiratory Care Therapist

The Caswood Group is hiring Respiratory Therapists to work night shifts for a 13-15 week contract length. This position, located in a Hospital setting, is responsible for administering cardiopulmonary procedures to hospital residents. Primary responsibility is receiving and carrying out Physicians’ and Nurse Practitioners’ orders for modalities falling under the Cardiopulmonary Unit’s scope of practice. Duties involve participating in the development and delivery of the respiratory care plan to residents. The employee, in many instances, works independently. The employee reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of, the Cardiopulmonary Services Manager or other higher-level staff member. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (All may not be performed in a given position. Other duties may be performed although not listed.)

• Reviews existing clinical data (history, vital signs, admission and current cardiopulmonary orders, resident records), collects additional clinical data, and recommends obtaining additional pertinent data;
• Evaluates clinical data to determine appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care plans;
• Interviews residents to determine clinical status (level of consciousness, ability to cooperate, presence of breathing difficulty);
• Performs and evaluates bedside procedures to achieve adequate arterial and tissue oxygenation;
• Performs daily tasks that result from administering cardiopulmonary procedures on a given shift, including charting, paperwork, and equipment change;
• Provides in-service education and orientation training to cardiopulmonary, nursing and physician staff;
• Assists in maintaining cardiopulmonary equipment for proper disinfection and sterilization and proper function, and the evaluation of recently repaired equipment;
• Assists with the quality improvement program;
• Attends all assigned inservices, educational programs and conferences.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Good knowledge of the proper techniques of administering respiratory therapy
• Ability to review, gather, and evaluate clinical data, and develop and deliver respiratory care plans to residents
• Ability to record treatment on patients' charts; ability to conduct in-service education and orientation training
• Ability to make decisions regarding whether or not to refer problems and decision-making situations to higher level staff
• Ability to interview residents and gather pertinent information; ability to evaluate the condition of equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma
• Respiratory Therapy Technician (RTT) license or a valid Respiratory Therapist (RT) license issued by the New York State Department of Education (NYSDOE).
• Valid NYS License
• BLS