Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Respiratory Therapy

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Manager of Respiratory Care Services, this role administers various types of respiratory treatments to patients, assists with assessing and evaluating respiratory care, and contributes to the development and evaluation of respiratory care services. The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) supports the objectives, educational, and research efforts of the Respiratory Care Service, Hospital, and American Association of Respiratory Care.

The RRT recognizes and treats physical changes unique to the age group served, assesses respiratory and cardiac-ill patients (routine and emergency) throughout hospitalization, and plans and directs patient care by developing, reviewing, and implementing respiratory care plans. The role involves mentoring others, evaluating patient progress, and making treatment recommendations for chronic pulmonary conditions such as COPD, bronchiectasis, respiratory failure, pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Additionally, the RRT assists with coordinating durable medical equipment, educates the pulmonary team on qualification processes, and maintains communication with the care team to improve inpatient treatment and transition of care at discharge. All duties must be performed safely and efficiently within the Respiratory Care Services scope of practice and Hospital policy.

Responsibilities

• Creates and updates policies and/or procedures.
• Provides care by approved protocols and guidelines when applicable.
• Provides non-concurrent therapy and education appropriate to disease and patient/caregiver understanding.
• Demonstrates continuing education beyond licensure requirements and competence in one or more specialty areas.
• Completes special projects and research tasks as assigned within established time frames.
• Prioritizes workload to meet important deadlines.
• Assesses, plans, prepares, and provides in-service education and training for physicians, respiratory, and nursing staff.
• Assists in the development and implementation of new programs.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
• Attends at least 50% of staff/committee meetings and in-services for the area.
• Maintains all equipment in a state of readiness, including daily inspections and calibration of emergency equipment.
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills related to patient status.
• Verifies written orders, accepts and records verbal orders in the medical record, and performs daily chart checks.
• Utilizes existing technologies (e.g., e-mar barcoding) to safely administer medications.
• Uses proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self or others.

Requirements

• Associate's degree from an AMA-accredited Respiratory Therapist Program or satisfies the educational requirements for a registered therapist as established by The National Board for Respiratory Care or Pennsylvania Medical Board.
• Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required; previous acute care respiratory experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
• Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the Pennsylvania Medical Board.
• BLS certification required.
• NRP, ACLS, and PALS certifications required within 6 months of hire.