Respiratory Care Practitioner

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

At Bridgeport Hospital, we are committed to providing quality medical care and treatment that is coordinated and centered on the patient's specific needs. We strive to achieve benchmarks as a Patient Centered Medical Home and provide health care in a setting where patients are at the center of their care team. All employees of Bridgeport Hospital are part of the patients care team and contribute to the team approach of promoting access, continuous, comprehensive care and work to provide quality improvement in the care provided to their patients.

The Respiratory Care Practitioner Level I (RCP I) is a healthcare professional who is a graduate of an AMA-Approved Program in Respiratory Care, is licensed by the State of Connecticut as an RCP and is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The RCP performs a variety of clinical activities in the assessment, treatment, and education of the patient with respiratory problems. Under medical direction, an RCP is accountable to comply with departmental policies, guidelines, accepted respiratory care practices, as well as assumes responsibility and accountability for recommending and coordinating respiratory care to patients. Essential duties and responsibilities are described herein and include other duties as assigned. The successful completion of these duties will be assessed by the department supervisors, coordinator and/or manager. While being a part of the Bridgeport Hospital Respiratory Therapy team it is expected that therapists commit to the practices and behaviors outlined in Safety Starts with Me (HRO) and the Respiratory Therapy Department Standards of Performance.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

• 1. Clinical Application of Respiratory Care: Functions efficiently, resourcefully and skillfully in providing patients optimum age-specific respiratory care.
• 1.1 Assesses patient's pulmonary status employing basic and advanced skills, which include reviewing the medical chart, patient interview, physical examination, and interpretation of blood gases. Demonstrates proficiency and consistency with all assessment skills.
• 2. Documentation and Written Communications: Contributes to effective communications within the department through documentation of services administered, changes in patient's clinical status and therapeutic objectives.
• 2.1 Accurately, records all care provided via electronic medical record (EMR). Identifies patient on written documents by using the medical record number (MRN) and patient labels as required by department and hospital policy. Maintains patient confidentiality with documentation practices.
• 3. Consultation, Collaboration, and Communication: Communicates clearly and appropriately with co-workers. Demonstrates a cooperative team spirit and leadership, effectively contributing to excellence of patient care.
• 3.1 Patient report information is appropriate and conveys current patient status. Uses best practice when giving report and attentively and courteously accepts report in order to facilitate transition from one shift to the next. Accurately, completely and concisely conveys all relevant clinical information on patient's clinical course and status with report.
• 4. Self Development, Professionalism and Leadership: Assumes responsibility for maintaining clinical expertise through continuing education, professional growth, and development. Functions as charge therapist, upon request, in absence of shift supervisor.
• 4.1 Assumes responsibility for professional self-development by demonstrating ability to function as resource regarding current trends within the profession and new or advanced procedures/equipment in department.

EDUCATION

Associates of Science degree and certificate of completion of an AMA-Approved Respiratory Care Program and current license by the State of Connecticut as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Bachelor of Science Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum one-year acute care experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner preferred. Potential Candidate must meet mandatory probationary time to advance in career ladder progression.

LICENSURE

Current state of Connecticut Respiratory Therapy License RRT Credential Current BLS at the Healthcare Provider Level Current ACLS at the Healthcare Provider Level NRP prior to Newborn/Pediatrics training

SPECIAL SKILLS

Excellent oral and written communication. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under stressful conditions. Basic computer literacy.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. They are occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. They must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. They are occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Incumbents as well as external and internal applicants who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without the assistance of reasonable accommodation as determined on a case by case basis.

HOURS: Per diem/As needed

Graduation from an accredited program of Respiratory Care, current active license by the State of Connecticut as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. BLS required, ACLS/PALS/NRP preferred.