Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist RRT

The Respiratory Therapist RRT provides advanced-level respiratory care to patients designed to diagnose, evaluate, treat, manage, and control deficiencies and/or abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system within the prescription of the order physician. This position acts as a resource to the CRT staff. The RRT may be responsible for special clinical projects or assignments as designated by leadership according to the needs of the department.

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic testing procedures according to protocol. Obtains arterial gases. Oversees and troubleshoots the operation of equipment for optimal patient care. Initiates Respiratory Protocol according to department criteria. Initiates interventions based on the interpretation of assessments.
• Administers medications in a timely and safe manner. Evaluates effect and re-evaluates appropriately and according to protocol. Ensures that progress of patient is communicated to staff, physicians and other departments.
• Maintains awareness of assigned patient's overall condition. Communicates and shares patient information with the physicians and nurses. Makes appropriate recommendations for patient care.
• Recognizes the educational needs of patients and families in relation to health promotion and wellness.
• Teaches patients and families self-care techniques and modalities.
• Completes documentation according to departmental standards. Accurately documents productivity information. Monitors supplies and equipment and notifies appropriate person when supplies are low, out on loan or broken. Utilizes time effectively to achieve productivity standard, including utilizing low census time when patient load does not support full productivity.
• Participates in quality and patient safety initiatives. Identifies potential areas for improvement including processes that could be streamlined or revised to improve patient satisfaction. Identifies potential safety hazards that may create problems for patients and/or staff and takes appropriate actions. Participates in departmental meetings, contributing ideas or feedback.
• Promotes the profession of Respiratory Care and acts as a resource, consultant, and mentor to staff within department and patient care areas through development of others. Participates in quality improvement and research activities as part of the Respiratory Care Team to guide the development of standards of patient care.
• May be required to float to other departments (within scope of competency and qualifications) based on business need.
• May be required to be placed on-call during a regularly scheduled shift.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Respiratory Therapy
• Patient Education
• Patient Care
• Life Support
• Care Planning
• Patient Care Delivery
• Critical Thinking
• Documentation
• Quality Improvement
• Follow Protocols

Required Education:

• Graduate of a NBRC approved Respiratory Therapist program is required.
• Education must be obtained from an accredited institution.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (RRT)
• Current license as Registered Respiratory Therapy in the state of practice is required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS)