RRT

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for assessing, implementing and evaluating the respiratory care of an assigned group of patients while demonstrating clinical competence relevant to the respiratory care scope of practice, and adhering to the AARC Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Job Knowledge: Understands duties and responsibilities and has the necessary job knowledge and technical skills to perform the duties of a respiratory therapist. Incorporates critical thinking into his/her practice of respiratory care and keeps knowledge and abilities current through continuing education and various educational opportunities. Administers treatment and performs initial and ongoing monitoring, assessment and evaluation of signs, symptoms and general physical responses to respiratory care procedures to improve quality, enhance patient safety, and to provide accurate information to other healthcare team members.
• Quality: Is attentive to detail and accuracy and is committed to excellence. Provides quality respiratory care including administration of pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic agents within the respiratory scope of practice. Maintains required certifications, licensure and competencies without lapse. Documents patient care activity accurately and effectively within the guidelines established by hospital policy and procedure. Identifies and acts on quality problems to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety.
• Safety: Follows established hospital policy regarding patient safety measures such as infection prevention, safe patient handling and movement, critical lab notification, etc. to ensure that patient care is provided in an optimally safe environment.
• Dependability: Meets all departmental deadlines and completes assignments. Works independently, accepts accountability, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure and meets attendance and punctuality requirements. Demonstrates understanding of the dynamics of health care, adapting to change in a positive and professional manner so as to support the hospital mission, vision, and values.
• Productivity: Manages a fair workload, volunteers for additional work, prioritizes tasks, develops good work procedures, manages time well and handles information flow. Requests help when necessary and delegates appropriately to team members while maintaining an atmosphere fostering team work and accountability.
• Teamwork: Communicates pertinent patient information to other members of the healthcare team in order to improve patient outcomes and promote quality care. Communicates to patient and family members in a manner that enhances the patient experience and promotes learning to ensure desired health care outcomes. Listens to others and values opinions, helps department meet established goals, assists in orientation of new employees and clinical instruction of students and promotes a team atmosphere. Volunteers to help with departmental projects and participates on organizational teams.

Education

• Graduate of CoARC-approved Respiratory Care Program.

Work Experience

• One year of respiratory experience preferred.

Certification/License

• Active credentialing by the National Board of Respiratory Care highly preferred. Licensed by the state of Missouri as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Required to have and maintain American Heart Association BLS and ACLS certification.

Mental/Physical Requirements

• Considerable mental concentration required. Lifting up to 35 lbs., turning activities and nearly constant walking required. Standing, turning, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, crouching, twisting, and reaching.

Working Conditions

• Frequent exposure to infectious disease and hostile persons at times. Frequent exposure to communicable disease via blood and other body fluids. Minimal physical discomfort.