Respiratory Therapist - Acute Care

Rochester General Hospital; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester General Hospital is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to implement and update care plans, evaluate cardiopulmonary status, and administer respiratory therapies. The role includes patient and family education, precepting students, and collaboration with the health care team in a busy hospital setting.

The therapist will monitor and adjust treatment plans, manage equipment, and participate in emergencies with ACLS protocols.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy is required.
• New York State Respiratory Therapist license with current registration (or RTT license with NBRC CRT credentials).
• ACLS certification current within one year of hire; non-acute areas exempted from ACLS requirement.

Responsibilities

• Reviews patient data and respiratory care orders for each patient.
• Assesses data such as blood gases and radiology reports.
• Advises on respiratory care procedures and equipment.

Education

Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy

Job description

Job Title: Respiratory Therapist

Status: Full-Time

Department: Respiratory Care

Location: Rochester General Hospital - 1425 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY 14621

Hours Per Week: 36

Schedule: Rotating Shifts (Day/Night); 7 -7:30. Weekend rotation requirement-4 shifts per 4-week block

SUMMARY

In any patient care setting, the Respiratory Therapist will implement and update care plans, perform cardiopulmonary evaluation, administer respiratory therapy treatment techniques, and provide education to the patient, family, other team members, students, and the public. Evaluation shall include the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data obtained from physiological specimens, performing diagnostic tests, and performing history and physical related to respiratory care. Therapy shall include the application and monitoring of medical gases (excluding anesthetic gases) and environmental control systems, mechanical ventilator support, artificial airway care and maintenance, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pharmacologic agents related to respiratory care procedures, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Education shall include providing and documenting education to patient and family, acting as a preceptor for both orienting team members and students assigned to rotations at RRHS affiliates, and providing public education upon request.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews and evaluates existing data in the patient record, including patient history, physical exam, current vital signs, admission and current respiratory care orders for each patient assigned.
• Reviews and evaluates other pertinent data, such as blood gas and other laboratory results, hemodynamic monitoring, electrocardiogram, and radiology study reports, specific to each patient assigned.
• Advises providers on appropriate respiratory care procedures and techniques for a given patient care situation.
• Selects, assembles, and checks respiratory care equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness.
• Recommends, conducts, and documents prescribed therapeutic procedures of all types, including medication administration, airway care, bronchial hygiene, oxygen and aerosol therapy, ventilator support, and monitoring and diagnostic procedures.
• Monitors and documents all pertinent clinical parameters and assessments on all assigned patients according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Modifies treatment techniques based on patient response.
• Provides and documents patient education for therapeutic procedures performed.
• Initiates and updates respiratory care plan for all patients per department policy and procedure as applicable.
• Works collaboratively with other members of the health care team to implement the plan of care.
• Maintains ACLS certification and initiates optimum emergency resuscitation procedures.
• Communicates information regarding patient's clinical status to appropriate members of health care team according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates in the instruction and orientation of Respiratory Care team members, students, and other allied health professionals in methods of administration of respiratory care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent certificate.
• New York State Respiratory Therapist (RT) license with current registration, including credentials received prior to 9/1993 OR New York State Respiratory Therapy Technician (RTT) license AND National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) active credentials as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).
• ACLS certification (current) required within one year of hire. Respiratory therapists employed in non-acute (Pulmonary or Long-Term Care) areas are excluded from the ACLS requirement.

EDUCATION:

AS: Respiratory Therapy (Required)

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

• ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support - American Heart Association (AHA), RT - Respiratory Therapist - NYS Office of Professions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Moderate - Clinical - Moderate clinical roles are patient facing roles that require continual movement, including standing, walking, and lifting 20-50 lbs., along with pushing and pulling medical equipment and assisting with patient positioning. Employees perform frequent bending, twisting, and reaching while completing fine motor tasks in busy or confined clinical environments. High sensory acuity is essential for monitoring patient status and responding to alarms or safety concerns. Emotional and cognitive demands are substantial, involving decision-making under pressure, responding to emergencies, and maintaining sustained focus. Environmental exposures include infectious agents, bodily fluids, chemicals, and radiation. TB testing, mask-fit testing, and physical exams are common requirements.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical