Respiratory Therapist Registered

Provides respiratory care services to patients who require emergency care, intensive care, therapeutic treatment, invasive and non-invasive monitoring, diagnostic testing, and patient education for pulmonary and cardiopulmonary disorders. Monitors and maintains equipment and participates in quality assurance and improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Interviews, examines, and assesses patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
• Consults with physicians to develop patient treatment plans.
• Creates therapy programs for patients based on the instructions of physicians and assessment findings.
• Performs diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity, takes blood samples, and uses a blood gas analyzer to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Treats patients using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy, aerosol medications, and non-invasive methods such as CPAP and BIPAP therapies.
• May connect, monitor, and treat patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators.
• Monitors and records the progress of treatment.
• Instructs and monitors respiratory therapy interns during clinical rotations throughout the hospital.
• Teaches patients how to use treatments.
• Operates and maintains respiratory equipment.
• Assists in the review and evaluation of equipment and supplies.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• May develop and conduct in-service training programs.
• Participates in departmental quality assurance and improvement programs.
• Assists in the review and/or development of departmental policies and procedures to improve work processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and reduce waste and expenses.
• Maintains all required documentation, logs, charts, and forms and records in paper and electronic formats.
• Performs other related duties as required and directed.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a Respiratory Therapist Educational Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Current state licensure as a respiratory therapist.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the NBRC.
• BLS certification.

Qualifications

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree.

Schedule

• Full-time
• Daily work times: 6:00 PM – 6:30 AM
• Hours per pay period: 72
• On-call: No
• Weekends: Yes