Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Under the general supervision of the Coordinator, Respiratory Care and the clinical direction of the Medical Director, administers and monitors prescribed diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care procedures to assist patients with breathing techniques to improve oxygenation, removal of Productions, and improvement of respiratory status.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accurately completes respiratory assessments and provides prescribed therapies on a timely basis according to specialty area and age-specific guidelines.
• Provides prescribed respiratory therapies on a timely basis according to established departmental guidelines.
• Evaluates and accurately documents results of respiratory therapy interventions according to specialty area and age-specific requirements.
• Accurately sets up, monitors, and maintains mechanical ventilation on a timely basis according to specialty area requirements.
• Communicates with physicians and nursing staff regarding patient progress and recommends changes in therapy modalities according to departmental guidelines.
• Obtains and analyzes blood gas specimens accurately according to established departmental guidelines.
• Performs skin testing, accurately assesses results, and reports findings on a timely basis according to specialty area guidelines.
• Properly maintains respiratory care equipment with complete and accurate documentation according to departmental standards.
• Monitors staffing, workflow, and equipment room areas on a regular basis.
• Provides accurate and helpful patient and family education on a timely and age-specific basis.
• Establishes own work plan and sets priorities to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks in compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Refers unusual problems or policy interpretation issues to the Senior Therapist or Technical Coordinator.
• Acts as a resource person to technicians and assumes charge responsibility in the absence of a Senior Therapist.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Required Education:

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Registration with the National Board of Respiratory Therapy (CRT or RRT).
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS) certification.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.
• Current Massachusetts State License.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English through written and oral communication.
• Ability to cope with mental and emotional demands of the position, including handling emergency and confidential situations.
• Ability to function independently with flexibility, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively with patients, physicians, hospital staff, and external agencies.
• Ability to solve practical problems and exercise appropriate judgment within established policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, and schedule-based instructions.
• Ability to assign and delegate duties clearly and effectively.
• Ability to meet physical demands including standing, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, positioning patients, and lifting up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to perform unaided CPR and wear required protective equipment.
• Ability to meet vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and color vision proficiency requirements.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Clinical experience Produced through school training and beyond.