Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing advanced respiratory treatments, conducting diagnostic procedures, exercising independent clinical judgment, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to patients receiving respiratory therapy.

Qualifications Required

• Minimum of two years of experience in respiratory care.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state.
• Current CPR Certification.
• Completion of a Board-approved respiratory therapy training program.
• Successful passage of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exam.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Recognize and respond promptly to life-threatening situations.
• Administer ventilation therapies, manage life support systems, and transport ventilated patients safely.
• Assist patients with breathing exercises, monitor vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
• Evaluate patient conditions to recommend and modify treatment plans accordingly.
• Accurately document all patient care activities in medical records.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for certified respiratory therapists and other healthcare team members.
• Provide ongoing training skills validation and updates on respiratory best practices

Nonessential Job Functions

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor or department director.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in company-sponsored training and events.

Job Competencies

• Proficiency in navigating and utilizing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
• Understanding and adherence to hospital policies and procedures.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development through continuing education and collaborative training.

Physical Requirements

Constant: Vision, hearing, speaking, manual dexterity, walking, sitting, balancing, repetitive motions, and prolonged use of arms, legs, and back muscles.

Frequent: Bending, squatting, twisting, pushing/pulling (up to 20 lbs. without assistance; up to 50 lbs. with assistance), lifting and carrying (up to 20 lbs. without assistance; up to 50 lbs. with assistance).

• Occasional: Climbing, kneeling, crouching, color differentiation, and exposure to noise or hazards.
• Rare: Potential exposure to electric shock and confined spaces.

Other: Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and may be exposed to infectious diseases and potential injury (cuts, bruises).

Work Environment

OSHA Category I: Routine exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or tissue, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols.