Registered Respiratory Therapist RRT

Job Title

Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Manager, Cardiology & Pulmonary Services and Nursing Supervisor, Pulmonary, the RRT performs all respiratory care general modalities. Sets up and takes down, performs, observes and documents modalities and simple diagnostics, i.e. ABG. May be required to learn and perform more complex diagnostics. Provides therapy modalities and procedures to patients of all ages in all areas of the Medical Center, particularly in General floors, the ICU/Critical Care departments, ED and as prescribed by a physician. Responsible for the application and operation of acute care ventilators used for continuous short and long-term mechanical ventilation of adults, pediatrics and neonates. Therapists are expected to be self-directed and professional at all times in the absence of the Supervisor. Maintains all department and Medical Center records and enters accurate information into the Medical Center computer for the therapy as given. Therapists have very good customer service skills and communicate well any issues, requests or information that helps in providing great patient care. The RRT is assigned a responsibility within the department that can range from QA to research. All RRT personnel adhere to established infection control guidelines.

Minimum Requirements

Education:

• Graduate of a recognized COARC or JRCRTE/AMA Respiratory Care Educational Program.
• Approved 2 year (AA degree) Respiratory Therapy program, preferred.

Experience:

• Two years previous hospital experience preferred.
• Emergency Department, Critical Care, Pediatric, and Neonatal experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to read and understand English.
• Ability to type and use electronic communications effectively across programs for charting and patient care.
• Ability to work or cover other shift hours or certain hours on an unscheduled day for diagnostics, emergent care, and transport.
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal pathology and patho-physiology related to the respiratory system.
• Knowledge of the indications, appropriateness, contraindications, and side effects of various medications and treatment techniques required.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities and perform detailed work.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Maintains a good attendance record and follows all hospital rules, policies and procedures in this regard.
• Maintains open and effective communications with patients and their nurses, physicians, peers, supervisors, and students.
• Attends at least half of the departmental meetings and in-services to stay current with the developments of the department and hospital.

License/Certification/Registration:

• Current Pennsylvania Respiratory License. Must have immediate access to license while on duty. Must be maintained at all times and must be in good standing at all times.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.
• Meets the American Heart Association's standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.
• Within one year of the hire/transfer date, completes the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and renews NRP every two years.
• Within one year from the hire/transfer date, meets the American Heart Association's standards for Healthcare Provider Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and renews ACLS every two years.
• Membership in AARC and/or PSRC preferred.

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from the Manager, Cardiology & Pulmonary Services, Nursing Supervisor, Cardiology, and Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy.

Supervision Given

None