Position Summary: 

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performing diagnostic testing and therapeutic treatment for patients with cardiopulmonary diseases according to physician orders and protocols approved by the CMMC Medical Director for Respiratory Care. These clinical services include, but are not limited to: cardiopulmonary patient assessments, oxygen administration, pulse oximetry, aerosol and nebulizer therapies, chest physical therapy, arterial blood gas sampling, ventilator management, indirect calorimetry assessments, bronchoscopy assistance, electrocardiograms, and pulmonary function testing. The Respiratory Therapist supports all members of the patient care team with the overall care plan of the patient, including pulmonary disease specific education where indicated or ordered.

Essential Duties:

• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment.  Remains alert, assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation - makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any service.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks and their proper usage.
• Performs all duties as outlined in the “Shift Responsibilities” section for the shift that the therapist works.
• Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager/coordinator.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients, as well as the general patient population.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment.
• Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency.
• Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.

Education and Experience:

• Current Respiratory Therapist Licensure of the State of Maine (RRT or CRT)
• Graduate of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy.
• Neonatal Resuscitation certification preferred
• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS Certification required.
• A minimum of one-year respiratory care is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to engage patients and team members utilizing the CMH Experience Standards
  • I am creating a warming, caring, and non-judgmental environment
  • I am actively listening and seeking information
  • I am honest, truthful, and consistent
  • I am respectful, treating all individuals with dignity and empathy
  • I am serving as a role model, taking both initiative and ownership when appropriate
  • I am working collaboratively and demonstrating teamwork
  • I am resilient and adapt to change in positive ways.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and triage in a highly fluid dynamic operational environment.
• Ability to collaborate with all layers of the management/ administration team.