Respiratory therapist

Job Description

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist - CRT delivers diagnostic, therapeutic, and pharmacologic respiratory care services in accordance with physician orders and established clinical protocols. Working under the direction of ordering physician/clinician, this role conducts patient assessments, monitors responses to therapy, and implements individualized treatment plans to support respiratory function and patient recovery. The Respiratory Therapist ensures accurate documentation, promotes patient safety, and collaborates with the healthcare team to provide high-quality, evidence-based care in compliance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.

Essential Functions

• Administers respiratory treatments, including oxygen therapy, aerosol treatments, and chest physiotherapy, based on physician orders and protocols.
• Orients patient to treatment modality prior to procedure in order to facilitate patient's cooperation and successful completion of the treatment process.
• Conducts patient assessments, correlating care with patient needs, and monitors responses to respiratory treatments, including pharmacological interventions.
• Accurately implements written or verbal physician orders, ensuring compliance with established respiratory care procedures.
• Manages ventilator settings and airway maintenance, ensuring optimal patient comfort and safety during respiratory support.
• Communicates effectively with peers, healthcare staff, physicians, and leadership, ensuring timely information flow and follow-up on patient care concerns.
• Provides clear, legible, and thorough documentation of all respiratory treatments, assessments, and patient responses, maintaining compliance with policies.
• Ensures adherence to patient identification protocols, safety measures, and infection control standards in all procedures.
• Administers medications as prescribed, utilizing patient safety techniques to maintain proper delivery and documentation.
• Demonstrates skill and judgment in emergency situations, initiating appropriate interventions and collaborating with healthcare teams to stabilize patients.
• Implements age-specific care considerations for oxygen therapy, tailoring treatment to meet patient needs across all populations.
• Ensures proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and patient identification techniques to maintain safety and compliance with infection control standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in a healthcare or clinical setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in administering pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic respiratory procedures.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with healthcare teams, patients, and families.
• Skilled in patient assessment, ventilator management, and airway maintenance.
• Competent in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems for documentation and reporting.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, safety protocols, and infection control measures.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to regulatory standards.

Licenses and Certifications

• CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support required
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support required
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation if working in the NICU required
• STABLE - Neonatal Certification if working in the NICU required

State Specific Requirements

• Alabama: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.
• Florida: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) certifications required.
• Georgia: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required within 90 days of employment. Successful completion of assigned SAMA course required within 30 days of employment.
• Indiana: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) certifications required within 90 days of employment. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification required with 12 months of employment. Successful completion of assigned SAMA course required within 30 days of employment. STABLE certification required within 6 months of employment.
• Mississippi: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.
• North Carolina: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.
• New Mexico: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.
• Pennsylvania: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.
• Texas: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required. Successful completion of assigned SAMA course required within 30 days of employment. STABLE certification required for NICU therapists within 6 months of employment.