Respiratory Therapist - RT001004

Job Title: Respiratory Therapist
Location: Syracuse, NY, 13202
Shift: Day 8 Hours Shift
Contract Duration: 13 weeks

Position Summary:
A Respiratory Therapist is responsible for evaluating, treating, and caring for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, in settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The Respiratory Therapist provides both emergency and routine care, working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

Responsibilities:

• Assess patients with cardiopulmonary disorders through physical exams, medical histories, and diagnostic tests (e.g., arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests).
• Monitor and document patients’ vital signs and oxygen saturation levels.
• Administer respiratory treatments, such as nebulizer therapy, oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, and medications to help relieve breathing difficulties.
• Set up and manage ventilators and other life-support systems for patients who require mechanical ventilation.
• Perform airway management techniques, including suctioning and airway clearance.
• Respond to code blue situations and provide emergency respiratory care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intubation.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team in critical care situations, providing life-saving interventions as needed.
• Educate patients and their families on managing respiratory conditions, including the use of inhalers, oxygen equipment, and other home-care devices.
• Provide instructions on lifestyle changes and breathing exercises to improve lung function.
• Operate and maintain respiratory therapy equipment, ensuring it is functioning properly.
• Clean, disinfect, and troubleshoot equipment issues, replacing parts or requesting repairs when necessary.
• Collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement patient care plans.
• Communicate patient progress and any changes in condition to the medical team and document all care provided in the patient’s medical record.
• Perform and interpret pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung capacity and oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange.
• Conduct arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Education:

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

License:

• Active and unrestricted Respiratory Therapist license in the state.

Certification:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications required.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification preferred.

Experience:

• Experience in respiratory care in a hospital or critical care setting is preferred.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of respiratory care techniques and equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.