Respiratory Therapist

In Respiratory Therapy, we’re immersed in every interdisciplinary and technological forefront.

Our respiratory therapists (RTs) achieve at the highest levels of their profession. There’s nothing they can’t achieve at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. We excel alongside world-ranked physicians and nurses at the patient bedside. In fact, no other allied health discipline spends as much time at the patient bedside, and this leads to intensive clinical collaboration with renowned colleagues.

Together, we administer care and support to patients with heart and lung difficulties. Because of our expertise, we also enjoy an intensive level of professional flexibility. From pediatric to adult to ICUs to acute specialties, there are always new ways to grow your talents.

Part of a major academic medical center, we’re regularly involved in evaluating new equipment and participating in research projects. Our insight is not only respected but often changes manufacturer processes. For example, one of our RTs recently presented an abstract on Airway Pressure Release Ventilation at the Annual AARC conference.

Dynamic Practices
We’re a 24/7 department, dedicated where it counts—in all EDs, ICUs and even post-surgical OR units. Our teams work with a magnitude of diverse therapies that offer unique and focused opportunities. You’ll define the latest with top clinicians, employing techniques and equipment you just won’t see in other systems. For example:

• Our achievements with the cardiothoracic team in the use of nitric oxide are well known. We were one of the first hospitals to participate in and implement a nitric oxide program.
• Our breakthrough work with oscillating ventilators and jet ventilators is equally esteemed.
• Our Ventilator Management Teams meet daily to assess the plan of care for ventilator patients. We’ve proven that this technique can shorten stays and improve the quality of care.

Rapid Response
Helping to establish the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Rapid Response Team, we’re trained to identify patients at risk for cardiac arrest. Our inclusion on this team puts us in a place of respect and collegiality. Our RTs thrive in an environment that features the latest modes in ventilator management, comprising the most advanced therapies available. Come achieve more for patients than you ever thought possible.

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Where We Work:

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• Prerequisites for Respiratory Therapist
• Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and Respiratory Therapy
• New York State Respiratory Therapist License
• Current BLS

Education and Training
With the influx of new technology, our education opportunities are never-ending. In 2009, we expanded our Oscillating Ventilation Program to adults (in preparation for cold and influenza season). Whenever we receive a new piece of equipment, vendors are on site to instruct RTs in its use. For example, our Emergency Department at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center received several new capnometers in 2009. All RTs were trained on it, with the additional option to obtain their CEUs online.

Heliox Therapy
RTs at NewYork-Presbyterian are trained to perform Heliox therapy. Heliox involves the use of helium in patients with airway obstructions. Helium’s density is less than Nitrogen’s, so at any given gas flow there is less turbulence, lowering airway resistance and reducing the work of breathing.

In Publication
“Clinical Indication for Use and Outcomes After Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy”

Isaac George, Steve Xydas, Veli K. Topkara, Corrina Ferdinando, Eileen C. Barnwell, Larissa Gablemana, Robert N. Sladen, Yoshifumi Naka, Mehmet C. Oz Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use was widespread, but the long-term outcomes after therapy in adult patients were unknown. From 2000 to 2003, 376 patients receiving perioperative iNO (excluding pediatric and interventional cardiology procedures) at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center were observed. The use of iNO for pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing OHT and orthotropic lung transplantation was associated with a significantly lower overall mortality rate compared with its use after cardiac surgery or for hypoxemia in medical patients.
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