Registered Respiratory Therapist - Full-Time

• Assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of all patients with pulmonary disorders in both critical and non-critical areas pursuant to a prescription of a licensed physician.

• Performs cardiopulmonary evaluation, monitoring, respiratory therapy treatment techniques, respiratory procedures and patients and family education.

• Responsible for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data obtained from physiological specimens, performing diagnostic tests, studies and research of the cardiopulmonary system and neurophysiological studies related to respiratory care.

• Administers and/or monitors medical gases, mechanical ventilation support, artificial airway care, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pharmacologic agents related to respiratory care procedures, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation related and limited to respiratory care.

• Utilizes the application of scientific principles for the identification, prevention, remediation, research, and rehabilitation of acute or chronic cardiopulmonary dysfunction.

• Administers therapeutic Respiratory Care procedures and sets up related Respiratory Care equipment as prescribed by the physician.

• Records all pertinent information of provided therapeutic procedures and patient response in the electronic medical record system, EPIC.

• Sets up, verifies proper function, operates and monitors all invasive and non-invasive respiratory equipment on patients in need of respiratory assistance.

• Participates in the management of patients on life support systems by recommending and performing appropriate changes based on blood gas results and weaning studies.

• Responds to and participates in all emergency and trauma codes.

• Oversees the clinical performance of Certified Respiratory Care Technicians to assure clinical compliance to department policies and procedures.

• Changes and maintains ventilators, ventilator circuits in accordance with the Infection Control Policy of the Department Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Runs quality controls on blood gas analyzers.
• Monitors and changes all manifolds, including but not limited to emergency oxygen, nitrous oxide and nitrogen manifold cylinders.
• Retrieves, cleans and assembles all respiratory equipment using disinfecting solutions and cleaning agents in accordance with infection control protocols.
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, and primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.).
• Lifts a minimum of 35 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 165 lbs. and stands a minimum of 6 hours a day.
• Adheres to the standards identified in the Medical Center's Organizational competencies.
• Performs other work as requested by the Director or his/her designee.

• Graduate of an AMA approved Respiratory Care program.
• Associate degree.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all clinical aspects of Respiratory Care.

• NJ Respiratory Care Practitioner License.
• NJ Registered Respiratory Therapist Certificate.
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.

Hackensack Meridian Health