Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the administration of services offered by the Respiratory Therapy Department.

Responsibilities

• Reads physician's orders to determine requirements for treatment.
• Upon the request of a physician provides assessment of the patient and recommends appropriate respiratory care.
• Takes and records pulse rate, respiratory rate, and breath sounds when patient is being treated.
• Prepares patient for procedures and/or treatment by explaining treatment and/or procedures.
• Delivers prescribed procedure and/or treatment to the patient.

Observes patient during treatments or procedures and monitors equipment to assure that proper function to maximize patient safety.

Notifies nursing department or physician of adverse reactions to treatment and documents reaction in patient's chart.

• Prepares and maintains patient chart per departmental policy.
• Inspects and tests all equipment prior to use.
• Teaches in an in-service capacity.
• Participates in Quality Assessment and Improvement for the Respiratory Therapy Department.
• Orders medications, supplies and equipment.
• Responds to all "Code Blues" to assist Medical personnel by administering urgent respiratory therapy.

Assigns cases to Respiratory Technicians and assures that procedures are performed in an efficient manner and per policy. Evaluates procedures and methods of Technicians.

• Orients new Respiratory Technicians.
• Interviews applicants and recommends hiring, promotion, disciplining, and termination of Respiratory Therapy Technicians.
• Solves technical problems and answer questions for Respiratory Therapy Technicians.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education

Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy required.

Work Experience

Supervisory experience in Respiratory Therapy preferred.

Licensure/Certification

Certified by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of respiratory therapy principles, practices, equipment, and procedures.
• Ability to provide clinical oversight and leadership within the Respiratory Therapy Department.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to supervise staff and coordinate departmental operations.
• Ability to effectively respond to patient care needs in a variety of clinical settings.
• Ability to maintain competency in respiratory care techniques and emerging practices.

Physical Requirements

Must possess the physical ability to exert twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, ten (10) to twenty-five (25) pounds of force frequently, and greater than negligible up to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demands exceed those associated with light work.

Additional Information

Performs other duties as required