Respiratory Therapist -Pulmonary Lab

Location Information: 71 Haynes Street (10627)

Join us where every moment counts.

Every day, more than 40,000 colleagues at our organization come together with a shared sense of pride in our work, understanding 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 of Manchester Memorial Hospital, a large multispecialty provider group, and visiting nurse services. Together, the Greater Manchester Region caters to approximately 300,000 residents across 19 towns.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The role involves delivering safe respiratory therapy techniques as prescribed by a physician, formulating a care plan based on assessment data and established standards, recognizing when alternative actions are necessary, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to adjust the care plan as needed. Responsibilities include setting up, maintaining, and monitoring mechanical ventilation in accordance with established policies and procedures. The role also entails administering medications with a comprehensive understanding of relevant policies. Additionally, the position requires assembling, selecting, operating, and sanitizing respiratory equipment to ensure proper functionality. This encompasses mechanical ventilators, BIPAP/CPAP and High Flow systems, oxygen delivery devices, oxygen analyzers, manual resuscitators, and suctioning equipment. The role includes performing tracheal, endotracheal, and nasopharyngeal suctioning, including the administration of pharmacologic agents as per policy. Blood gas samples will be drawn and processed using the iStat point of care device, adhering to established protocols. Interpreting arterial blood gas and oximetry results and communicating critical values to the ordering physician is essential. The ability to distinguish between patient and equipment issues and respond appropriately is crucial. All patient therapies and any concerns during the shift must be documented and communicated effectively.

COMPETENCIES:

• A strong commitment to customer service, demonstrating patience and empathy while caring for a diverse patient population.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Effective verbal communication skills are vital for interactions with patients, colleagues, and physicians.
• Clear written communication is necessary for accurate medical documentation of respiratory services and precise medical billing.

KEY DUTIES AND 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, which may evolve over time.

• Administer all respiratory care services as per physician orders, demonstrating a solid understanding of departmental policies and the ability to make informed decisions based on these guidelines.
• Confirm provider orders and conduct patient assessments before initiating respiratory therapy and during reorder evaluations in line with departmental protocols.
• 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.
• Demonstrate proper setup, operation, and monitoring of equipment for therapeutic gas delivery (Heliox, bubble CPAP, High-Flow O2, nebulized and humidified O2).
• Administer aerosol therapy (small volume nebulizers, large volume nebulizers, Vix1 nebs, ISO nebs) in accordance with departmental policies.
• Safely deliver medications following the two-identifier policy and respond to any adverse effects by notifying the physician and utilizing the Catalyst reporting system.
• Conduct Chest Physiotherapy in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Utilize proper suctioning techniques (open and closed systems) for age-specific populations as per departmental protocols.
• Provide NICU support for the setup, maintenance, and disassembly of respiratory equipment, including bubble CPAP, High-Flow systems, and mechanical ventilators.
• Demonstrate proficiency in preparing the cart, including labeling medications/solutions when necessary and performing a “Time Out” during outpatient and inpatient bronchoscopy procedures.
• Show knowledge of bronchoscopy and monitoring equipment setup, assisting physicians during bronchoscopy by instilling solutions, taking biopsy samples, and managing specimen handling and documentation.
• Safely collect, transport, and analyze arterial blood gases, demonstrating competency in age-specific sampling and testing.
• Understand the theory and operation of the point of care blood gas analyzer, ensuring accuracy through daily maintenance records and routine troubleshooting.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION:

• Completion of an accredited Respiratory Care program, with a diploma or transcript required upon hire.
• Must possess the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care, along with a current license to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Connecticut.
• Candidates holding 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.
• Certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation Program (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 provides exciting opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Here, you will be part of a forward-thinking team that introduces new technologies, innovative treatments, and community education to countless individuals. We recognize that a successful organization is built on the success of its colleagues, which is why we offer a competitive benefits package designed to promote work/life balance. Every moment is significant, and this is your opportunity.