Respiratory Therapist Registered

Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary: Provides respiratory care services to patients who require emergency care, intensive care, therapeutic treatment, invasive and non-invasive monitoring, diagnostic testing and patient education for pulmonary and cardiopulmonary disorders. Monitors and maintains equipment and participates in quality assurance and improvement activities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Interviews, examines and assesses patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
2. Consults with physicians to develop patient treatment plans. Creates therapy programs for patients based on the instructions of physicians and assessment findings.
3. Performs diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity, takes blood samples and uses a blood gas analyzer to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
4. Treats patients using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy, aerosol medications and non-invasive methods such as CPAP and BIPAP therapies. May connect, monitor, and treat patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators.
5. Monitors and records the progress of treatment.
6. Instructs and monitors respiratory therapy interns during clinical rotations throughout hospital.
7. Teaches patients how to use treatments.
8. Operates and maintains respiratory equipment. Assists in the review and evaluation of equipment and supplies.
9. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. May develop and conduct in-service training programs.
10. Participates in departmental quality assurance and improvement program. Assists in the review and/or development of departmental policies and procedures in order to improve work processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and reduce waste and expenses.
11. Maintains all required documentation, logs, charts, and forms and records in paper and electronic formats.
12. Performs other related duties as required and directed.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Associate degree in a Respiratory Therapist Educational Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Current state licensure as a respiratory therapist.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the NBRC.
• BLS certification.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Comprehensive knowledge of therapy procedures for patients ranging from pediatric to geriatric.

Ability to work collaboratively and with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work: Lifting 10 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers, and small tools. Although sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Lifting 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree, or when it involves sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans.

Additional requirements detail available upon request.