Respiratory Therapist Temporary

Respiratory Therapist

Provides respiratory care services to patients who require emergency care, intensive care, therapeutic treatment, invasive and non-invasive monitoring, diagnostic testing and patient education for pulmonary and cardiopulmonary disorders. Monitors and maintains equipment and participates in quality assurance and improvement activities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Interviews, examines and assesses patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
• Consults with physicians to develop patient treatment plans. Creates therapy programs for patients based on the instructions of physicians and assessment findings.
• Performs diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity, takes blood samples and uses a blood gas analyzer to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Treats patients using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy, aerosol medications and non-invasive methods such as CPAP and BIPAP therapies. May connect, monitor, and treat patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators.
• Monitors and records the progress of treatment.
• Instructs and monitors respiratory therapy interns during clinical rotations throughout hospital.
• Teaches patients how to use treatments.
• Operates and maintains respiratory equipment. Assists in the review and evaluation of equipment and supplies.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. May develop and conduct in-service training programs.
• Participates in departmental quality assurance and improvement program. Assists in the review and/or development of departmental policies and procedures in order to improve work processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and reduce waste and expenses.
• Maintains all required documentation, logs, charts, and forms and records in paper and electronic formats.
• Performs other related duties as required and directed.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Associate degree in a Respiratory Therapist Educational Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Current state licensure as a respiratory therapist.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the NBRC.
• BLS certification.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree.