Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Care Practitioners perform "Respiratory Care" which means the therapy, management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation, and care administered on the order of a physician or surgeon, of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities affecting the cardiopulmonary system and associated aspects of other bodily systems.

Responsibilities:

• Follow departmental policies and clinical procedures.
• Conducts themselves in a professional manner.
• Perform and show understanding in: Direct and indirect pulmonary care services that are of comfort, safe, aseptic, preventative and restorative care to the patient, administration of medical gases, aerosols and humidification, environmental control mechanisms, pharmacological agents related to respiratory care, mechanical or physiological ventilatory support, bronchopulmonary hygiene, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, maintenance of natural airways, maintenance of artificial airways, analysis of blood gases, respiratory secretions and pulmonary functions, Hemodynamic and physiologic measurement and monitoring of cardiac functions as it relates to cardiopulmonary pathophysiology, Measurement of lung volumes, spirometry, diffusion, oxygen sats, collection of blood and collection of specimens from respiratory tract, observation and monitoring of signs and systems, behavior, physical response to respiratory care treatment and diagnostic testing including determination of whether those signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior or response exhibit abnormal characteristics; implementation based on observed abnormalities, appropriate reporting, referral, respiratory care protocols or changes in treatment, pursuant to a prescription by a person authorized to prescribe respiratory care or the initiation of emergency procedures.
• Make proper use of and correctly care for all department equipment.
• Perform and understand the effective method of making rounds and the accurate method of keeping records and making reports on all patients receiving therapy.
• Chart properly on all forms and records used in the Pulmonary services department.
• Process billing in the approved manner.
• Participate in the orientation and instruction of allied health personnel in the techniques of respiratory care.
• Provided techniques used in pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Assume assigned responsibilities for the routine repair and maintenance of departmental equipment.
• Respond to all pulmonary pages in the prescribed manner.
• Comply with relevant local, state and federal rules and regulations and the law and requirements of accrediting bodies and other, external organizations.
• Help Pulmonary manager evaluate equipment and/or procedures.
• Take a roll in pulmonary rehabilitation as needed.
• Train to be a stop-smoking facilitator.
• Be active in community education.
• Take an active role in training staff.
• Stay current in all aspects of respiratory care.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
• The technician will be confronted by people with both contagious and non-contagious diseases. A knowledge of Infection Control measures is required.
• The technician will occasionally have to cope with a violent or disagreeable patient.
• The technician must be able to handle substances such as thick secretions, vomitus, etc.
• The technician will be confronted by stress situations such as cardiac and respiratory resuscitations, internal fires, disaster procedures, etc. During these moments, they will need to remain emotionally stable and exhibit self-control so that patients may be reassured of their safety.

Other Information:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist Required.

Credentials

• Required Respiratory Therapist

Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is an acute care hospital located near the Canadian border in Presque Isle, Maine. This is the largest city and economic hub of Aroostook County – Maine’s northernmost county, with a geographic area larger than the states of Maryland and Rhode Island combined. When you're not enjoying year-round outdoor activities, you will be working with supportive colleagues in a facility that offers a surprising range of comprehensive services given its rural location.

AR Gould provides emergency, primary, and specialty care. In addition to traditional acute care, our inpatient units also include acute rehabilitation and a women and children’s unit. It is the only healthcare facility in the region to offer certain life-saving specialty services, such as radiation therapy, a cardiac catheterization lab, and a dialysis center.

The hospital is a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health system that is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle, Northern Maine Community College, the Maine School of Science and Mathematics magnet school, and quality local public schools all provide opportunities for academic enrichment. Lakes, rivers, and woodlands are legendary and well-known to hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationalists. The local airport provides daily, year-round service between Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) and Boston Logan International Airport. 

Questions? Contact Talent Acquisition:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org