Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist will provide therapeutic procedures and diagnostics within their professional scope of practice. The primary function will be to coordinate and perform out-patient Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) adhering to current best practice standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide patient care support in the ICU/ED
• Support physicians in developing the appropriate treatment modalities
• Assess and provide education to patients
• Set up and check ventilators
• Change ventilator circuits
• Perform arterial lines (with training) and arterial punctures
• Perform bedside spirometry, oximetry, aerosol and MDI therapy
• Assist with setup of unusual or rarely used respiratory equipment
• Access priorities and organize workload accordingly
• Work independently to perform necessary functions as well as in a dynamic team environment
• Participate in staff education opportunities & as an active member of the Critical Care Support team
• Provide staff support and education for invasive/ non-invasive ventilation & other respiratory modalities
• Provide direction to the RT team on maintaining standard work in testing
• Coordinate and monitor operations including maintenance of equipment, supply chain and Quality Assurance
• Work with the Chief of Internal Medicine to maintain a high quality of testing and reporting
• Work in conjunction with the laboratory clerks and the manager of laboratory services
• Review and update policies and procedures as required in collaboration with the patient care manager
• Perform outpatient PFT testing in compliance with current standard of practice

Requirements

• Current C.R.T.O. and BCLS & ACLS certification and ability to perform necessary functions.
• Previous experience with critical care, acute care and PFT.
• Strong clinical background, familiarity with weaning protocols, and current ventilation modalities
• Evidence of sound organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and documentation skills with the ability to work well with patients, families and all levels of the community
• Required to work weekends & all other shifts

Employment Requirements

Successful applicants are required to provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal reference check, that was complete less than one year from the date of hire. This requirement must be met within the first sixty (60) days of employment.

Additionally, to the above, successful applicants are also required to complete the Health Care Worker Health review process which includes providing an up-to-date immunization record to ensure compliance with the Ontario Hospital Association Communicable Diseases Surveillance Protocols within the first thirty (60) days of employment. Northumberland Hills Hospital operates a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all staff.