Certified Respiratory Therapist

About the role

Provides bedside respiratory care to patients as assigned by supervisors and given on the physician's written order for both in-house and outpatient care.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe and effective administration of medically prescribed medication, knowing indications and contraindications.
• Knows and follows the indications, contraindications, and policy/procedure for administering therapeutic modalities including IPPB, IS, USN, HHN, and MDI.
• Sets up and monitors oxygen administration; sets up oxygen cylinders and ensures proper usage and safety measures are in place.
• Performs bedside PFT tests; may be requested to perform tests in the PFT lab following adequate training and/or orientation.
• Serves as a member of the "code team" responding to arrest situations, including performing CPR (compression) as part of the team; must be certified in CPR procedures annually.
• Performs daily/weekly preventive maintenance, calibration, and quality control of ABG and co-oximeter analyzers.
• Familiar with oxygen delivery systems (e.g., nasal, venturi mask) and measuring devices, including pulse oximeter, Wright's respirometer, and oxygen blenders.
• Responsible for the setup, safety check, monitoring, and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators in collaboration with a respiratory therapist.
• Familiar with CPAP and BiPAP setup and administration.
• Maintains accurate, legible records, documenting clinical notes in patients' charts; reports patient progress and prioritizes patient condition to the next shift.
• Ensures proper documentation in department records; participates in staff meetings and attends lectures, conferences, and seminars.
• Attends all required safety training programs and can describe responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards.
• Follows the hospital exposure control plans/bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and interdepartmentally to facilitate the department's/unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives.

Requirements

• Must be a graduate of an approved school of respiratory care.
• Must be registered, or registry eligible, certified or certified eligible.
• Must possess current state license.
• CPR certification.
• ACLS certification.
• PALS certification (optional).
• NALS certification (optional).

Skills

• ACLS provider.
• CPR provider.
• PALS/NALS provider (optional).
• Required to comply with OSHA regulations for the N95 respirator training and fit testing.
• Adhere to infection control policies and guidelines appropriate for their work area.
• Hand hygiene and PPE (job applicable) followed when appropriate.