Per Diem Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary:

At the Long Island State Veterans Home, our Respiratory Therapist is a valuable member of our team. Under the general supervision of the Medical Director, the Respiratory Therapist will be responsible for performing various basic and advanced respiratory care procedures.

Duties of a Respiratory Therapist may include the following but are not limited to:

• Initiate, maintain and monitor oxygen administration by mask, cannula, tent, hood, t-tube and BIPAP, CPAP, and tracheostomy care.
• Initiate, maintain and monitor cold or heated aerosol humidification administration by mask, mouthpiece, tent, hood, collar and t-tube.
• Initiate, monitor, and maintain continuous artificial and mechanical ventilation of lungs by bag/mask unit, bag-to-intratrachael tube, and demand valve.
• Administer pharmacologic and bland aerosols for topical pulmonary chemotherapy by medication nebulizer or intermittent positive pressure breathing apparatus.
• Administer deep breathing exercises by incentive spirometry, intermittent positive pressure breathing apparatus or chest physiotherapy methods.
• Perform all related procedures pertinent to blood gas analysis:
  • Perform radial artery puncture to obtain sample
  • Operate blood gas analyzers, co-oximeters, tonometers and associated instruments
  • Perform "arterialized capillary" puncture to obtain sample
  • Withdraw blood sample from radial artery and pulmonary artery catheters
• Maintain all required departmental reports, logs, accounting and statistical records.
• Transport, disassemble, soak, wash, scrub, rinse, dry, assemble, wrap and sterilize or disinfect any appropriate pieces of respiratory therapy equipment and observe official and common-sense protocols related to asepsis and infection control.
• Maintain sufficient stocks of both reusable and expendable supplies in various respiratory therapy staging areas.
• Attend and participate, as required, in departmental in-service education sessions.
• Administer chest physiotherapy to mobilize secretions and facilitate their expectoration from the tracheobronchial tree. Perform tracheal suctioning by nasotracheal route or through an existing intratracheal tube.
• Perform emergency and/or elective endotracheal intubation.
• Perform certain bedside pulmonary function tests such as simple spirometry, vital capacity measurements, inspiratory force, tidal volume and related tests.
• Attend and participate actively in various teaching conferences. Present cases and other appropriate material as directed.
• Routinely evaluate pertinent aspects of pulmonary physiological function in patients receiving respiratory therapy and maintain accurate, concise, timely and frequent notes of observations, patients responses and progress and procedures performed on the patient's medical record.
• Perform minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
• Perform other pertinent respiratory care and patient duties as required in consult with physician, nurses and other medical staff.
• Explain the use of equipment to patients and assist them in use.
• Provide direction for medical staff in caring for patients with respiratory problems.
• Deliver and assist medical and nursing personnel in connecting, educating and maintaining care and equipment related to by not limited to, CPAP, BIPAP and tracheostomy care.

Working Conditions:

Working conditions may involve exposure to infectious disease, blood, body fluids and/or tissue as well as other unpleasant elements such as accidents, injuries and illness. May be exposed to and be required to handle varying unpredictable, emergency and crisis situations. Occasionally subjected to irregular hours and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries, as well as weather related situations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

AAS in RT, RRT or certificate of completion from AMA approved therapist level RT program and three years experience; or AAS in RT or certificate of completion from AMA approved therapist level RT program, five years experience, and CRTT.

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Posting Overview:

The position will remain posted until filled or for a maximum of 90 days. An initial review of all applicants will occur two weeks from the posting date. Candidates are advised on the application that for full consideration, applications must be received before the initial review date (which is within two weeks of the posting date).

Working Conditions:

Working conditions may involve exposure to infectious disease, blood, body fluids and/or tissue as well as other unpleasant elements such as accidents, injuries and illness. May be exposed to and be required to handle varying unpredictable, emergency and crisis situations. Occasionally subjected to irregular hours and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.

Special Notes:

The Long Island State Veterans Home is a tobacco-free environment. Tobacco products are strictly prohibited anywhere on our 25-acre campus, including parking lots and outdoor areas on the premises.

Essential Position: This position has been designated as an essential position based on the duties of the job and the functions performed. This means that when the Long Island State Veterans Home is faced with an emergency, employees in such positions are required to remain at their work location or to report to work.

The LISVH is a 24/7 skilled nursing facility. As such, all positions are subject to changes in pass days and shifts as necessary to meet the operating needs of the facility.

The use of Vacation or Personal Leave accruals during the first 6 months of employment will not be authorized unless prior approval has been granted by Human Resources.

The selected candidate must successfully clear a background investigation. Prior to start date, the selected candidate must meet the following requirements: Successfully complete pre-employment physical examination and obtain medical clearance from the Long Island State Veterans Home Employee Health Department, clear a background investigation, submit three (3) written references, and provide a copy of the required license(s)/certificate(s). Please be advised that failure to comply with any of the above requirements could result in a delayed start date and/or revocation of the employment offer.