Registered Respiratory Therapist

Overview The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for standard and advanced respiratory care procedures for patients with various cardiopulmonary disorders, performing examinations and procedures as directed, and modeling appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values. Responsibilities Perform routine respiratory therapy procedures including IPPB, O2 therapy, and humidity/aerosol therapy in an assigned area on patients. Establish and maintain ventilation and airway care for assigned patients and provide ventilatory support to patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Perform advanced respiratory care techniques, including invasive pressure monitoring (ICP, pulmonary artery catheters), cardiac output determinations, administration of nitric oxide and other gases. Assist physicians in insertion of catheters as needed. Collect arterial blood gas through line draws or punctures. Conduct patient assessment and reassessment through observation, clinical data gathering, response to therapy, and report findings accurately, making referrals to appropriate disciplines as needed. Provide educational development through guidance and teaching, serving as a technical resource to patients, families, physicians, students, and other hospital staff regarding respiratory care procedures. Recognize and react appropriately to environmental safety factors and perform preventative and routine maintenance on respiratory care equipment and instruments. Participate in departmental/hospital continuous improvement opportunities. Education & Training Requirements Required: Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care. Preferred: Technical Degree or Diploma in Respiratory Care. Preferred: No prior work experience. Licenses & Certifications Requirements Required: Registered Respiratory Therapist – Tennessee – Tennessee Board of Respiratory Care. Required: Basic Life Support – American Heart Association. Required: Registered Respiratory Therapist – National – National Board for Respiratory Care. Preferred: Registered Respiratory Therapist – Arkansas – Arkansas State Medical Board. Preferred: Pediatric Advanced Life Support – American Heart Association. Preferred: Registered Respiratory Therapist – Mississippi – Mississippi State Department of Health. Preferred: Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification – American Heart Association. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to understand and prepare moderately complex written materials, such as patient records. Ability to communicate verbally with associates, physicians, and other outside professionals. Ability to work without close supervision and exercise independent judgment. Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and maintain control of workflow. Supervision Provided by this Position There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this job, except that the incumbent may demonstrate various job responsibilities to other associates or respiratory care students. Physical Demands Invasive and non‑invasive patient contact throughout shift. Possible exposure to patient body fluids. Ability to react quickly in emergency situations. Physical activities may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion. Must have good balance and coordination. Physical requirements: medium – exerting up to 50 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs of force frequently. Requires close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform tasks such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, or extensive reading. #J-18808-Ljbffr