Respiratory Therapist

 
Primary Duties: 

• Assesses the physical, psychosocial, spiritual & cultural dimensions of the patient as well as educational needs and document appropriately. Where applicable, refers to the competency validation documents for population(s) served. 

• Performs all respiratory therapy treatments and services, including but not limited to: application, operation, monitoring, and management of all equipment and services provided. Service including but not limited to: oxygen, mixed gas, and humidity; monitoring; ventilators (Invasive and Non-invasive); bronchial hygiene; lung expansion; Spirometry testing; EKG machines; Blood Gas Analysis. 

• Employs principles of therapeutic communication, interviewing techniques, problem solving and crisis intervention when performing patient care. 

• Responds, performs, and participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation by maintaining the airway, providing oxygen and ventilation via mask, endotracheal tube, or other devices, and performing closed chest cardiac massage. 

• Facilitates workflow efficiency, monitoring interdepartmental systems and processes, departmental policies and procedures and making recommendations for improvements as needed. Reviews electronic medical records and physician orders throughout work shift. 

Qualifications: 

• Associate’s degree - Graduate of an AMA accredited program in respiratory care with an AAS Degree or higher.  

• CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) - NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist or NBRC Registered Pulmonary Function Technician from an accredited Respiratory Care Program is required.  

• BLS - Basic Life Support required. 

• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification, required within one year of hire. 

• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Certification Program, required within one year of hire. 

• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification, required within one year of hire. 

• Must be registry eligible; some acute experience is preferred. 

• Preferred education: Bachelor’s degree in related healthcare field. 

• Preferred certification: RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).