Respiratory Therapist

Under minimal direction, Registered Respiratory Therapists: implement and evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory services to assist physicians in the diagnosis and management of residents with cardiopulmonary and related disorders; participate in the education of residents, staff, and physicians; provide technical support of all equipment related to the practice of respiratory Care; assist with general department functions.

Representative Job Duties: (may vary from site to site)

• Continuous education of nursing staff on all respiratory procedures including trach care, sterile suction technique, aerosol therapy and oxygen usage.
• Frequent lectures and in-services to nursing staff on respiratory diseases and management plans.
• Implementing respiratory protocols according to department policies and procedures which include auditing respiratory medications and frequencies and recommending the appropriate therapy.
• Capping and decannulating trached residents according to department policy following physicians' orders.
• Provide general respiratory therapeutic services including oxygen therapy, bronchodilator therapy, airway maintenance therapy and non-invasive ventilation.
• Assessment of residents and recommendation of proper treatment plan.
• Bedside assessments of patient's in the hospital and in patient's residence
• Documentation of resident procedure.
• Education of residents/families with regard to disease process and treatment plan.
• Provide diagnostic respiratory services and non-invasive monitoring including pulse oximetry, incentive spirometry, and chest physiotherapy.
• Ensure facility is adequately stocked with respiratory supplies and equipment at all times

Skills & Abilities: Critical thinking skills, self-direction, communication skills, organizational skills, basic computer skills and clinical competence for all age groups.

Minimum Job Qualifications: Education: Associate Degree program in Respiratory Care from JRCRTE/accredited institution.

Experience: Minimum of two years.

License: Current State license, Registered Respiratory Therapist or Certified Respiratory Therapist. Credentialed by the NBRC and BLS certification.