Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary

The Critical Care Transport Registered Nurse (CCT-RN) provides advanced nursing care during interfacility transports of critically ill and injured patients. Working collaboratively with paramedics, EMTs, respiratory therapists, physicians, and receiving facilities, the CCT-RN delivers high-quality patient care in accordance with California nursing regulations, EMS Authority standards, and CONFIRE clinical protocols.

The CCT-RN functions in a mobile critical care environment requiring sound clinical judgment, independent decision-making, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing patient conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments before and throughout transport.
• Develop and implement patient care plans based on physician orders and transport protocols.
• Provide advanced cardiac, neurological, trauma, pediatric, and medical critical care during transport.
• Manage ventilators, infusion pumps, vasoactive medications, sedation, blood products, invasive monitoring, and specialty equipment.
• Interpret cardiac rhythms and initiate appropriate interventions.
• Perform medication administration within scope of practice.
• Collaborate with sending and receiving physicians regarding patient status.
• Ensure continuity of care throughout transport.
• Document patient assessments, interventions, medications, and transport events accurately.
• Serve as clinical leader of the transport team when assigned.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and clinical case reviews.
• Maintain readiness of ambulance equipment and medications.
• Participate in continuing education, competency assessments, and mandatory training.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program.
• BSN preferred.

Licensure

• Current California Registered Nurse License in good standing.

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years recent ICU or Emergency Department experience.
• Critical Care Transport experience preferred.

Required Certifications

• BLS
• ACLS
• PALS
• NIH Stroke Scale (preferred)
• TNCC (preferred)
• CCRN (preferred)
• CTRN preferred within designated timeframe after hire

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Critical care assessment
• Mechanical ventilation
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• Pharmacology
• Advanced airway management
• Cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Pediatric critical care
• Trauma care
• Excellent communication
• Sound clinical judgment
• Ability to work independently
• Strong teamwork skills

Physical Requirements

Must be able to:

• Lift 100+ pounds with assistance.
• Push and pull stretchers.
• Work in confined ambulance environments.
• Sit, kneel, crouch, climb, bend, and reach frequently.
• Work 12-24 hour shifts.
• Work in adverse weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Ambulances
• Hospitals
• Emergency departments
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Long-term acute care hospitals
• Outdoor emergency environments

Core Competencies

• Clinical Excellence
• Patient Advocacy
• Safety Focus
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Accountability
• Compassion