Certified Respiratory Therapist

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services and the guidance of the Medical Director of Cardiopulmonary Services, the Respiratory Therapist (Certified) will provide clinical and technical respiratory support to patients in a quality manner in accordance with hospital policy and department procedure.  CRTs work under the supervision of a physician. They work as part of a team and are responsible for all care that has to do with respiration, oxygenation, and lung function. They can make decisions independently in critical situations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Anticipates the need for and initiates educational activities to enhance professional practice.
2. Complies with hospital/department uniform and dress code policy.
3. Contributes to and supports cost containment efforts (and revenue maximization efforts, if appropriate).
4. Competently performs all therapeutic modalities and exhibits knowledge of route, purpose and action, and adverse reactions of drugs ordered by physicians.
5. Skillfully utilizes, troubleshoots and maintains all equipment pertinent to the administration of oxygen therapy.
6. Sets‑up, operates, and maintains all non‑invasive / diagnostic equipment according to physician order and department procedure.
7. Provides respiratory care support to patients on critical care areas.  
8. Demonstrates knowledge and competence in the procedures necessary to provide this support.
9. Participate in the maintenance / decontamination of equipment.
10. Assures adequate levels of medical gasses, disposable supplies and standby equipment.
11. Maintains department records in a timely and complete fashion.
12. Provides a thorough shift report regarding the clinical status of information regarding orders, equipment or supplies to assure efficient operation of the next shift.
13. Maintains a good attendance record, is punctual for shifts and demonstrates flexibility in meeting the staffing needs of the department.
14. Participates / attends department meetings, in‑service, etc., on a regular basis.
15. Managers own time in a productive and reliable manner completing work assignments.
16. Utilizes proper body mechanics in all job functions.   
17. Follows established emergency, infection control and/or universal precautions procedures as required.

1. Maintains work area and equipment according to standards and policies.
2. Attends mandatory in‑service related to safety and/or infection control.
3. Supports and participates in department quality improvement activities.
4. Provides quality improvements which enhance effectiveness and efficiency of department.
5. Provides courteous service to internal/external customers in all activities.
6. Demonstrates the ability to manage patients of all ages with special needs.  
7. Facilitates patient/family participation in self-care based on age and development status. 
8. Demonstrates appropriate psychosocial interventions based on age and developmental status.  
9. Evaluates environmental safety and provides an environment that is safe based on age and developmental status.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy. 
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified. 
• Ensures that the staff are trained and evaluated on their knowledge of and adherence to compliance policies and procedures specific to their jobs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

- Credential(s) Required: Respiratory therapists are required to be a graduate and be awarded an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).  Must be certified in CPR; high cut score and eligible for the RRT preferred; accepted based on clinical experience.

- Primary Source Verification: National Board for Respiratory Care

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.   TherFor purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Job Duties” are essential job functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push or move patients and/or equipment.  Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel or reach.   Normal or corrected vision, hearing and ability to speak are necessary.  Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus and ability to distinguish colors.  There will be period of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem solving situations.