Respiratory Therapists

*Sign On Bonus Eligible - $3,000 Full Time, $1,00 Part Time*

Summary:
Analyzes and provides therapeutic and diagnostic care in a competent, professional and caring manner to both in- and out-patients, and perform relevant exams and control patients blook-oxygen levels, as well as set up and utilize cardiopulmonary equipment and machines needed to assist or monitor patients breathing. Responds directly to physicians and physician assistants orders for either respiratory or cardiopulmonary services. Must be able to perform all duties independently while promoting interdepartmental teamwork. As Lead RRT, acts as assistant to the director providing support for staff and other department managers, assisting in educational training, maintaining equipment, staffing schedules, budget etc.

Responsibilities:
• Maintains therapist schedule and ensure coverage is provided on all appropriate days depending on vacations or requests.
• Assists scheduler with any/all outpatient testing to ensure proper coverage is available for each test.
• Proactively participates in education of staff including nursing.
• Maintains current BCLS certification and demonstrates the ability to implement appropriate emergency protocols.
• Maintains current ACLS certification and demonstrates ability to implement appropriate adult emergency interventions.
• Maintains current NRP certification and demonstrates the ability to implement the necessary interventions.
• Maintains current PALS certification and/or demonstrates the ability to implement the appropriate pediatric emergency protocols.
• Maintains therapist schedule and ensure coverage is provided on all appropriate days depending on vacations or requests.
• Communicates with vendors/sales reps to obtain quotes and ordering of new equipment when necessary.
• Communicates with home care companies in regards to supply of equipment kept in department.
• Acting assistant to Director with any/all issues pertaining to department (answering emails, researching issues, providing information, etc.)

Position Specific
• Delivers all routine modes of respiratory therapy assisting patients of all ages who suffer from acute and chronic pulmonary disorders including:
o Chest physiotherapy and postural drainage.
o Breathing retraining.
o Medication delivery systems.
o Oxygen delivery systems.
• Performs Arterial Blood Gas sampling, analysis, quality control and proficiency testing, and preventive maintenance.
• Performs Pulmonary Function studies including nitrogen washout for FRC determination, helium dilution for diffusion studies, and both bronchial provocation and exercise challenge testing.
• Performs appropriate functions for respiratory assessments to include complete patient evaluation, performs and suggests appropriate treatment and interventions as directed by cardiopulmonary policy and procedure.
• Is readily available to assist staff when needed.
• Assures compliance with current state licensure, Medicare licensure, and other applicable regulations.
• Monitors equipment levels and ensure par levels are kept.
• Provides support to biomed and ensure all equipment remains in good working order.
• Manages sleep lab with assistance from secretary (protocoling and scheduling patients, communicates with Penobscot Respiratory and Sleep Center of Maine, ordering supplies at techs request, ensuring equipment remains in good working order prior to sleep study nights, etc.)
• Resolves any issues in regards to patient care, coworker concerns etc.
• Continues to research and communicate with other Respiratory departments throughout the state and maintain best practice in regards to respiratory/ cardiopulmonary care.
• Maintains respiratory equipment within department and update teaching tools associated with each item (how to operate equipment, basic settings, troubleshooting tips, pictures showing proper setup, etc).
• Acts as “go to” therapist for any/all questions, concerns, complaints or complements from all staff or patients within or outside the hospital.
• Performs EKGs, Cardiac Stress testing, and Holter Monitor Studies with consistent technique, and properly handles and processes test results.
• Sets priorities and demonstrates ability to facilitate the care of patients during emergency situations.
• Ability to perform ventilator set-up, management, and maintenance.
• Performs vascular studies with consistent technique, and properly handles and processes test results.
• Assures timely provision of care with accurate, complete, and timely documentation of all tests and therapy provided.
• Maintains up-to-date policies and procedures for each cardiopulmonary modality. Manuals are continuously ready for regulatory surveys.
• Maintains sleep studies reports.
• Monitors budget and report any/all requests or issues to Director.
• Constantly monitor pricing of all special orders to ensure all purchases are cost effective.
• Works alongside Director in regards to budget formulation and monitoring.
• Maintains appropriate billing practices within department, research and resolve any/all issues.
• Assists ER Manager with purchase, maintenance, use and supplies associated with Respiratory equipment (i.e Trilogy) kept in ER.
• Provides all new nurse's/employee orientation.
• Provides all nurse education in regards to use of respiratory equipment.
• Provide research and education information upon request from ER and hospitalist providers
• Provide educational training on Nursing Skills Day once each quarter (possibly requiring coming in on day off).
• Effectively addresses patient complaints in a timely fashion.
• Actively works to educate patients, family members, nursing staff and other departments in respiratory care to consistently improve patient outcomes.
• Assesses and effectively prioritizes work to assure timely delivery of patient care, while completing and following-up on daily duties and workload demands.
• Assesses new services, procedures and/or equipment to maintain cost effective and state of the art services.
• Department SME/SU trainer for the EHR. Reviewer of all department policies.

Other information:
Registered Respiratory Therapist Required.

Competencies and skills:
Essential:
* 3+ years of relative work experience required.
* Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.
* Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
* Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
* Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
* Develops Self and Others:Takes responsibility for engaging in professional self-development activities and programs. Strives to gain insight into their own values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and takes action in order to enhance competencies and skills when possible. As a leader, encourages and guides employees towards growth opportunities to enhance performance and help them reach goals. Reviews and analyzes employees' strengths and weaknesses to distinguish their talents and development needs, and to ensure they are enhanced appropriately.
* Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
* Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
* Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
* Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability .
* Utilizes Resources Effectively: Understands how to get the most out of available resources and uses cost-benefit thinking in decision-making and in setting priorities. Monitors and analyzes resource usage to identify and eliminate areas of waste and maximize resources. As a leader, defines targets and provides appropriate means; oversees progress and makes adjustments when necessary. Appropriately delegates work, sets clear direction and manages workflow and time.

Credentials:
Essential:
* Respiratory Therapist

Education:
Essential:
* Associate's Degree

Working conditions:
Essential:
* Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
* Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
* Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
* Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
* Continuous standing.
* Continuous walking.