Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Pulmonary Lab

Location Details: MMH-31 Union Street (10619)

Join us in a place where every moment counts.

Every day, more than 40,000 colleagues at our organization come together with a shared sense of pride, knowing that each moment is significant. We invite you to be a part of Connecticut’s most extensive healthcare network.

The Greater Manchester Region employs around 2,500 individuals. This area encompasses Manchester Memorial Hospital, a community facility with 249 beds, Rockville General, a 102-bed campus affiliated with Manchester Memorial Hospital, a large multispecialty provider group, and visiting nurse services. The Greater Manchester Region caters to approximately 300,000 residents across 19 towns.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The role involves executing safe respiratory therapy techniques as prescribed by a physician, formulating a care plan based on assessment data and established care standards, recognizing the need for alternative actions in treatment plans, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to adjust care plans as necessary. Responsibilities include setting up, maintaining, and monitoring mechanical ventilation in accordance with established policies and procedures. The role also requires administering medications with a comprehensive understanding of relevant policies and procedures. Additionally, the position entails assembling, selecting, operating, and sanitizing respiratory equipment to ensure proper functionality. This includes, but is not limited to, mechanical ventilators, BIPAP/CPAP and High Flow systems, oxygen delivery devices, oxygen analyzers, manual resuscitators, and suctioning equipment. The role also involves performing tracheal, endotracheal, and nasopharyngeal suctioning, including the administration of pharmacologic agents as per policy and procedure. Blood gas samples are drawn and processed using the iStat point-of-care device, adhering to established protocols. Interpretation of arterial blood gas and oximetry results is required, along with reporting critical values to the ordering provider. The ability to distinguish between patient and equipment issues and respond appropriately is essential. All patient therapies, including any concerns during the shift, must be documented and communicated effectively.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to customer service, exhibiting patience and empathy while caring for a diverse patient population.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Effective verbal communication skills are crucial for interactions with patients, colleagues, and physicians.
• Strong written communication skills are necessary for accurate medical documentation of respiratory services and precise medical billing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the role. They are intended to accurately reflect the primary duties and responsibilities of this position. Responsibilities and competencies may evolve over time.

1. Execute all respiratory care services as per physician orders, demonstrating a solid understanding of departmental policies and procedures, and making informed decisions based on these guidelines.

2. Confirm provider orders and conduct patient assessments before initiating respiratory therapy and during reorder evaluations, following departmental policies.

3. Exhibit knowledge of the principles, theory, and operation of respiratory equipment and monitoring systems in critical care settings (mechanical ventilators, BIPAP/CPAP machines, High-Flow systems) across all age groups.

4. Properly set up, operate, and monitor equipment used for delivering therapeutic gases (Heliox, bubble CPAP, High-Flow O2, nebulized and humidified O2).

5. Administer aerosol therapy (small volume nebulizers, large volume nebulizers, Vix1 nebs, ISO nebs) in accordance with departmental policies.

6. Safely deliver medications following the 2-identifier policy, responding to any adverse effects by notifying the physician and utilizing the Catalyst reporting system.

7. Conduct Chest Physiotherapy in line with departmental policies.

8. Utilize proper suctioning techniques (open and closed systems) for age-specific populations according to departmental guidelines.

9. Provide NICU support for the setup, maintenance, and disassembly of respiratory equipment, including bubble CPAP, High-Flow systems, and mechanical ventilators.

10. Demonstrate the ability to set up carts, including labeling medications/solutions when necessary, and perform “Time Out” during outpatient and inpatient bronchoscopy procedures.

11. Show proficiency in the operation and setup of bronchoscopy and monitoring equipment, assisting physicians during bronchoscopy by instilling solutions, taking biopsy samples, and managing specimen handling and documentation.

12. Safely collect, transport, and analyze arterial blood gases, adhering to age-specific requirements for sampling and testing.

13. Understand the theory and operation of the point-of-care blood gas analyzer, ensuring accuracy and precision through daily maintenance and routine troubleshooting.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION:

• Graduate from an accredited Respiratory Care program. A copy of the diploma or transcript must be provided upon hiring.
• The candidate must possess the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care and hold a current license from the State of Connecticut to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Candidates with a CRT credential must obtain the RRT credential from the NBRC within 12 months of employment.
• A current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required, with maintenance of certification as mandated by the organization.
• Current certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation Program Provider (NRP), Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) are preferred but not mandatory.
• Certification in Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is desirable but not required.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of one (1) year of relevant respiratory experience within the last two years.
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced acute care environment.

We prioritize career development.

With various locations throughout the state, our organization offers exciting opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Here, you will be part of a forward-thinking organization that is dedicated to introducing new technologies, innovative treatments, and community education to countless individuals. We understand that a successful organization is built on the well-being of its colleagues, and we provide a competitive benefits package designed to promote work/life balance. Every moment is significant. This is your moment.