Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Pulmonary

Location Details: MMH-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, 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 and 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. This region caters to approximately 300,000 residents across 19 towns.

The role involves delivering safe respiratory therapy techniques as prescribed by a physician, formulating a care plan based on assessment data and established care standards, and identifying the need for alternative actions in treatment plans while collaborating with the multidisciplinary team for any necessary adjustments. Responsibilities include setting up, maintaining, and monitoring mechanical ventilation in accordance with established policies and procedures. The position also requires administering medications with a comprehensive understanding of relevant policies and procedures. Additionally, the role 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 individual will perform 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, with results interpreted and critical values communicated to the ordering provider. The ability to distinguish between patient and equipment issues and to respond appropriately is essential. All patient therapies, including any concerns, must be documented and communicated during shifts.

• 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 crucial for interactions with patients, colleagues, and physicians.
• Accurate written communication is necessary for medical charting of respiratory services and clear medical billing.

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 procedures, and making 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 policies.
• 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 used for therapeutic gas delivery (Heliox, bubble CPAP, High-Flow O2, nebulized and humidified O2).
• Administer aerosol therapy (small and 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 compliance with departmental policies.
• Utilize proper suctioning techniques (open and closed systems) for age-specific populations as per departmental guidelines.
• Support NICU by setting up, maintaining, and dismantling respiratory equipment, including bubble CPAP, High-Flow systems, and mechanical ventilators.
• Demonstrate skill in preparing carts, labeling medications/solutions as necessary, and performing “Time Out” during outpatient and inpatient bronchoscopy procedures.
• Show knowledge of bronchoscopy and monitoring equipment setup, providing physician support during procedures, including instilling solutions, taking biopsy samples, and managing specimen transport 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 and precision through daily maintenance records and routine troubleshooting.

• 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 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.
• 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.

• 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. Here, you will be part of a forward-thinking team that brings innovative technologies, groundbreaking treatments, and community education to countless individuals. We understand that a thriving organization is built on the success of its colleagues, which is why we provide a competitive benefits package designed to promote work/life balance. Every moment matters, and this is your moment.