Certified Respiratory Therapist

Certified Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) performs diagnostic tests, provides therapeutic interventions, and responds to medical emergencies throughout the hospital participating in CPR and intubation, as required. The RCP evaluates the patient's response to therapy administered and recommends and implements modifications to the respiratory care plan based on this evaluated response. The RCP provides education to the patient, family and public. The RCP, under the supervision of a physician, provides age-appropriate care to all groups served.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Reads and understands the English language.
• Ability to think critically and analytically with little or no supervision
• Ability to work effectively in situations of high stress and conflict and communicate goals and outcomes.
• Ability to process information and prioritize
• Possesses exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Possesses independent work habits, is self-reliant and self-directed
• Ability to learn, adapt, and change as required by the job functions
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of material and information accessed and reviewed
• Basic computer literacy
• Ability to move freely, reach, bend, and complete light lifting
• Ability to use good body mechanics while performing daily job functions and ability to follow specific OSHA guidelines
• Ability to maintain attendance to meet standard job practices

Education

• High School diploma or GED
• Graduated from an AMA-approved Respiratory Care Program

Licensure

• Credentialed (CRT, RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) or board-eligible
• Current or temporary license from the State of Georgia
• Current CPR

Experience

• 1 year experience in an acute care setting (preferred)

Other Qualifications

1. Exposure to hazards (body fluid exposure level) Level I
2. Age of Patient Populations Served
   • Neonates 1 - 30 days
   • Infants 30 days - 1 year
   • Children 1 - 12 years
   • Adolescents 13 - 18 years
   • Adults 19 - 70 years
   • Geriatrics - 70+ years

Job Specific Duties and Performance Standards

• Performs diagnostic tests (Arterial Blood Gases, sputum inductions, Electrocardiograms, Electroencephalograms, Peak Expiratory Flow Rates, Pulmonary Function Studies and Stress Tests) according to department policy, following physician's orders. NOTE: CLIA regulations are based on the complexity of the test method. CLIA categorizes analysis of Arterial Blood Gases [ABG's] as moderate complexity testing. Staff that has demonstrated competency in this area does not require direct supervision to perform this task.
• Inserts radial arterial lines following departmental policy.
• Administers therapies and/or treatment modalities (pharmacological agents, oxygen administration, mechanical ventilation, airway care and bronchopulmonary hygiene) according to department policy following physician's orders.
• Assesses patients for appropriateness of therapy.
• Evaluates the patient's response to therapy administered, consults with the ordering physician: recommends and implements modifications to the respiratory care plan.
• Participates in the code blue team: performs CPR, inserts artificial airway and/or intubates, as required.
• Stocks crash cart and other supplies, as needed.
• Performs equipment maintenance, cleaning, calibration, etc. according to department policy.
• Charges for all services provided.
• Performs all duties in according with CRMC Infection Control Standards.
• Communicates all clinical problems or patients requiring further evaluation to department management.
• Keeps current in the profession.
• Participates in special projects as directed by Director/Assistant Director.
• Participates in the department's PI initiatives.
• Performs other tasks/procedures as requested by the Director/Assistant Director.