Registered Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

Absolutely assesses patients' pulmonary status, determines appropriateness of orders, and administers various modes of supportive or restorative therapy to restore normal cardio-pulmonary function. Conducts various cardio-pulmonary diagnostic tests upon physicians' orders.

Job Duties

• Administers safe, effective respiratory treatments and medical gas therapy consistent with current standards of practice.
• Maintains equipment and supplies to ensure decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization of supplies.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Follows work-related duties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Completes all required safety, infection control, and age-specific programs as prescribed.
• Documents and communicates the effects and effectiveness of therapy administered to ensure continuity of care between other members of the healthcare team.
• Mentors students from clinical affiliates.
• Affirms patients’ cardiopulmonary status to implement a Respiratory Care Plan appropriate for the patient's age groups.
• Compares ordered therapy to patients' cardiopulmonary status, recommending more appropriate, cost-effective, or less invasive therapy to achieve the therapeutic objective.
• Explains the purpose and benefits of ordered therapy, teaching patients proper therapy techniques to elicit patient cooperation and ensure effective therapy.
• Initiates and maintains cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BLS).
• Takes responsibility for self-development by acquiring skills and sharing experiences which support organizational/department objectives.
• Identifies personal goals and objectives annually as a part of performance appraisal.
• Completes Federal, State, and System annual requirements.
• Identifies self-development opportunities and makes the effort to take advantage of those opportunities.
• Serves as a team leader per department policy.
• Attends staff meetings as required, participates in training programs, ensures completion of annual competencies.
• Stays up to date with Health System information by reviewing written and electronic communications from various sectors of the System.
• Works within and as a member of the Sleep Disorders Team but is able to function independently when necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist as described by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Holds current mandatory certification in the state to practice Respiratory Therapy in the state where work is being performed.
• Associate degree in applied science or equivalent.
• Maintains credential as described in the Continuing Competency of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• ACLS certification- if not already certified, will be required post-hire.

Customer Service

• Meets Customer Relations Expectations.
• Interacts with internal and external customers using AIDET methodology.
• Contributes to improved customer satisfaction outcomes.
• Interacts with internal and external customers.

Professionalism

• Counsels and educates patients and families regarding their health conditions.
• Conducts oneself in a professional manner.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development.
• Uses proper communication channels, maintains confidentiality of customer information and protected healthcare information (PHI).
• Attends staff meetings as required, participates in training programs, ensures completion of annual competencies.

Additional Information

Upon physicians' orders, uses background knowledge and clinical skills to provide mechanical ventilator support to sustain patients' cardio-pulmonary function. With indirect supervision, uses background knowledge, clinical skills, and specialized training to conduct a variety of diagnostic tests to determine patients' cardio-pulmonary function. May perform bedside spirometry for the PFT lab when needed.