Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Treats patients who have difficulty breathing due to heart or lung problems. Performs tests that aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of respiratory problems using special apparatus and administering therapies. The work of a respiratory therapist includes monitoring patient’s progress and teaching patients how to use prescribed respiratory treatment methods and equipment. Provides emergency respiratory care and routinely visits surgical patients teaching them exercises to reduce respiratory complications.

Responsibilities

• Uses equipment to administer oxygen, gases or aerosol treatment to patients.
• Selects, assembles and checks equipment used in the respiratory treatment.
• Collects, reviews, and maintains a patient's medical history and records.
• Performs diagnostic tests and monitor patients treatment.
• Educates patients and their families to use equipment.
• Assists physicians to perform special procedures.
• Administers pulmonary function tests for assessment of lung function and draws blood and analyze the oxygen, carbon dioxide and ph levels.
• Performs endotracheal intubations.
• All other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's Degree from AMA accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience:

• No experience required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to work in surroundings with degree of dust, noise, etc. without undue discomfort.
• Ability to hear, talk, walk, stand, bend and stretch.
• Ability to read, write and interpret documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and/or co-workers.
• Must be trained in and knowledgeable of all Kingsbrook/Rutland policies and procedures pertaining to hazardous waste and hazardous materials and maintain qualifications applicable to assigned work.

License/Certifications:

• NYS Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist, required.
• BCLS Certification required..                   

Physical Requirements:

• Position requires prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day.
• Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds for routine performance of essential functions.
• May be required to handle reasonably heavy weights across distances.
• May be required to handle/ assist in lifting patients onto/out of exam beds/procedure stations.
• Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue.  Incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or fist aid.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Cente (KJMC).KJMC is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.