Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The Respiratory Therapist RRT provides advanced-level respiratory care to patients designed to diagnose, evaluate, treat, manage, and control deficiencies and/or abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system within the prescription of the order physician.
• This position acts as a resource to the CRT staff.
• The RRT may be responsible for special clinical projects or assignments as designated by leadership according to the needs of the department.

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic testing procedures according to protocol.
• Obtains arterial gases.
• Oversees and troubleshoots the operation of equipment for optimal patient care.
• Initiates Respiratory Protocol according to department criteria.
• Initiates interventions based on the interpretation of assessments.
• Administers medications in a timely and safe manner.
• Evaluates effect and re-evaluates appropriately and according to protocol.
• Ensures that progress of patient is communicated to staff, physicians and other departments.
• Maintains awareness of assigned patient’s overall condition.
• Communicates and shares patient information with the physicians and nurses.
• Makes appropriate recommendations for patient care.
• Recognizes the educational needs of patients and families in relation to health promotion and wellness.
• Teaches patients and families self-care techniques and modalities.
• Completes documentation according to departmental standards.
• Accurately documents productivity information.
• Monitors supplies and equipment and notifies appropriate person when supplies are low, out on loan or broken.
• Utilizes time effectively to achieve productivity standard, including utilizing low census time when patient load does not support full productivity.
• Participates in quality and patient safety initiatives.
• Identifies potential areas for improvement including processes that could be streamlined or revised to improve patient satisfaction.
• Identifies potential safety hazards that may create problems for patients and/or staff and takes appropriate actions.
• Participates in departmental meetings, contributing ideas or feedback.
• Promotes the profession of Respiratory Care and acts as a resource, consultant, and mentor to staff within department and patient care areas through development of others.
• Participates in quality improvement and research activities as part of the Respiratory Care Team to guide the development of standards of patient care.
• May be required to float to other departments (within Product of competency and qualifications) based on business need.
• May be required to be placed on-call during a regularly scheduled shift.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education:

• Graduate of a NBRC approved Respiratory Therapist program is required.
• Education must be obtained from an accredited institution.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (RRT).
• Current license as Registered Respiratory Therapy in the state of practice is required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS).

Required Skills & Experience:

• Respiratory Therapy.
• Patient Education.
• Patient Care.
• Life Support.
• Care Planning.
• Patient Care Delivery.
• Critical Thinking.
• Documentation.
• Quality Improvement.
• Follow Protocols.