Registered Respiratory Therapist | Certified Respiratory Therapist | RRT|CRT | Le Bonheur Children's | PT | Day

About the Role

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for standard and advanced respiratory care procedures for patients with various cardiopulmonary disorders. This role models appropriate behavior as exemplified in the organization's Mission, Vision, and Values, contributing to a culture of compassion, excellence, and service.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine respiratory therapy procedures, including IPPB, O₂ therapy, and humidity/aerosol therapy.
• Establishes and maintains ventilation and airway care; provides ventilatory support during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Performs advanced respiratory care techniques, such as invasive pressure monitoring (e.g., ICP, pulmonary artery catheters), cardiac output determinations, and administration of Nitric Oxide and other gases.
• Assists physicians in catheter insertion as needed.
• Performs arterial blood gas collection via line draws or punctures.
• Conducts patient assessments and reassessments through observation, clinical data gathering, and response to therapy; reports findings and makes referrals as needed.
• Provides education and guidance to patients, families, physicians, students, and hospital staff regarding respiratory care procedures.
• Recognizes and reacts to environmental safety factors; performs preventative and routine maintenance on respiratory care equipment.
• Participates in departmental and hospital continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care (required).
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (required).
• Tennessee Respiratory Therapist license (required).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (required).
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification, or licensure in Arkansas/Mississippi (preferred).

Skills

• Ability to understand and prepare moderately complex written materials, such as patient records.
• Strong verbal communication with associates, physicians, and external professionals.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining workflow control.

Physical Demands

• Invasive and non-invasive patient contact throughout shift; possible exposure to body fluids.
• Ability to react quickly in emergency situations.
• Physical activities include climbing, pushing, standing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Medium work: exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.
• Close visual acuity required for patient assessment, data analysis, and extensive reading.