DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves administering a variety of respiratory care services to patients with pulmonary and cardiac diseases and other respiratory complications at the Erie County Medical Center Corporation. The incumbent sets up and operates equipment and administers respiratory therapy with the concurrence of a qualified physician. Work is performed under the direct supervision of higher-level professional and medical staff. Supervision is not a function of this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Assists in the maintaining and storage of respiratory care equipment;

Sets up appropriate equipment and administers therapy;

Records clinical and technical information on patients receiving respiratory care services;

Performs oximetry and assesses patient's oxygen therapy and having tracheotomies;

Suctions patients;

Performs patient education and discharge planning for patients requiring home respiratory care;

Evaluates patients for respiratory treatments and administers all forms of respiratory therapy treatments including, but not limited to, aerosol therapy, MDI's, IPPB treatments, incentive spirometry, sputum inductions, and peak flows;

Assembles, assures proper functioning and monitors mechanical ventilators;

Documents and makes recommendations for patients on mechanical ventilation;

Transports critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and assists in the operating room with patients on complex mechanical ventilation;

Performs weaning assessments and consults with physicians and nurses on patient management and weaning;

Responds to medical emergencies;

Performs CPR and arterial blood gases;

Provides clinical education for respiratory care students.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the proper functioning and maintenance of oxygen delivery equipment, pediatric equipment, adult ventilators, humidification devices and devices for the administration of inhaled bronchodilators; good knowledge of the equipment and modalities used in the field of respiratory care; skill in the operation and maintenance of all respiratory care equipment; ability to observe and practice universal precautions and all other necessary safety precautions; continues education in new modalities as they become available in the field; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency; ability to utilize a variety of electronic software applications; mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity; sound professional judgment; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy or closely related field.

Possession and maintenance of a license and current registration to practice Respiratory Therapy issued by the New York State Department of Education at time of appointment and throughout;

Possession and maintenance of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credential* as issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) at time of appointment and throughout;

Possession and maintenance of Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification at time of appointment and throughout.

• NOTE: Permanent employees hired prior to October 26, 2016, that possess and maintain a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Credential but not do possess and maintain a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credential shall remain deemed qualified for this title.

NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.