Registered Respiratory Therapist I

Registered Respiratory Therapist I

The Respiratory Therapist at MUSC Midlands provides advanced respiratory care to patients with a variety of respiratory conditions. This role involves performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments, and working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans. The Respiratory Therapist ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients of all ages.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments of patients' respiratory conditions through physical examinations and diagnostic tests.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and physician directives.
• Administer respiratory therapies, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and mechanical ventilation.
• Monitor and adjust ventilator settings and other respiratory support devices as needed.
• Perform pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and efficiency.
• Conduct arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to evaluate oxygenation and acid-base balance.
• Utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to identify and monitor respiratory disorders.
• Provide respiratory support in emergency situations, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced airway management.
• Participate in the care of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), ensuring optimal respiratory function and support.
• Assist in the transport of critically ill patients, maintaining stability during transfers.
• Educate patients and their families on respiratory care techniques, equipment usage, and disease management.
• Provide training and support to nursing staff and other healthcare professionals on respiratory care practices and procedures.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in respiratory care through continuing education and professional development.
• Adhere to all MUSC Midlands policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations related to respiratory care.
• Follow infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for patients and staff.
• Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of respiratory equipment.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
• Experience: 0-1 year as a Respiratory Therapist in a clinical setting.
• Experience in critical care or emergency care settings is preferred.
• Licensure/Certification: Current state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
• Skills: Strong clinical skills and knowledge of respiratory care procedures and equipment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

Working Conditions

• Work Environment: Exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials with proper safety protocols in place.
• Rotating shifts, including possible evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform job functions while standing. Ability to perform job functions while sitting. Ability to perform job functions while walking. Ability to climb stairs. Ability to work indoors. Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. Ability to work from elevated areas. Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. Ability to bend at the waist. Ability to twist at the waist. Ability to squat and perform job functions. Ability to perform "pinching" operations. Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. Ability to reach overhead. Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. Ability to fully use both legs. Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that can not assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. Ability to match or discriminate between colors. Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. Good peripheral vision capabilities. Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. Ability to work rotating shifts. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to work in a latex safe environment. Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required.

Medical University of South Carolina