Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Responsibilities

• Level 1 – Minimal Competencies  
  • Perform diagnostic testing and the administration of prescribed respiratory therapy. 
  • Perform SVN Therapy and MDI Therapy on intubated and non-intubated patients. 
  • Performs Incentive Spirometry and documentation per facilities guidelines. 
  • Perform chest physiotherapy -by manual or mechanical means. 
  • Performs sputum induction and appropriate documentation. 
  • Perform arterial puncture and arterial line draws 
  • Perform arterial blood gas and co-oximetry analysis per facility including critical value result notification. 
  • Perform bedside Pulmonary Function screening pre and post bronchodilator with review of study data, and document appropriately. 
  • Administer routinely prescribed inhaled medications and substitutions.  
  • Clarify pharmacy orders.  
  • Complete Med. Admin.  
  • Record- MAR sign off as appropriate per facility. 
  • Initiate and maintain Non-invasive Ventilation per physician order with appropriate documentation. 
  • Initiate and maintain mechanical ventilation per physician orders with appropriate documentation. 
  • Initiate and maintain transport ventilators, with appropriate documentation 
  • Perform daily maintenance and quality assurance measures as appropriate per facility specifications 
  • Maintenance, stocking and cleaning of all appropriate respiratory care supplies and equipment and storage areas. 
  • Performs nasal / oral tracheal suction and uses, operates, and maintains closed suction systems. 
  • Understands medical gas systems and zone valve locations within the facility. 
  • Follows all infection control standards for patient care and equipment processing. 
  • Adheres to established bundle protocols VAP, Pressure ulcers, universal protocols, and other protocols as identified. 
  • Performs appropriate weaning parameters and VC, NIF, Vt f/Vt with appropriate documentation 
  • Familiar with code cart locations, code cart supplies and defibrillator use / operation. 
  • Understands Oxygen therapy and provides appropriate oxygen and continuous aerosol therapy per facility 
  • Responds to all emergency situations, Code arrests, Rapid Response calls and documents appropriately. 
  • Provides rescue breathing via bag/mask/valve or pocket mask. 
  • Understands appropriate medication labeling and storage of medication (locations). 
  • Assist with other assigned or daily department responsibilities. 
  • Understands the Incident command system (HEICS). 
  • Cleans, sets up and safety checks ventilators and BiPAP/CPAP units and other equipment as indicated. 
  • Performs all necessary department paperwork such as badger exception log, daily assignment log, work schedules, and therapist worksheets. 
• Level 2 – Advanced level competencies/Duties.  
  • Coordinates the departmental paperwork such as badger exception log.  
  • Performs Kronos reports, daily assignment log, work schedule, and therapist worksheets. 
  • May participate in performance assessment and improvement process. 
  • Maintain Blood Gas & Co-ox log boo and oversee completion of Blood Gas report, Co-oximetry and PFT Screening reports. 
  • Understands medical gas systems, zone valve locations, and performs back-feeding procedures for the facility when indicated. 
  • Trains and acts as a resource for respiratory department staff. 
  • Recognize problems and suggest strategies to correct situations that may compromise clinical services. 
  • Assists with bronchoscopies per facility guidelines with appropriate cleaning and documentation. 
  • May serve as Charge Therapist. 
  • Contribute to the enhancement of programs and services. 
  • Performs other airway management skills per competency validation process. 
  • Performs arterial line placement, evaluation and monitoring per competency validation process. 
  • Performs venous line or other peripherally inserted lines per competency validation process. 
  • Performs other airway management procedures as approved by the facility per competency validation process. 
  • Performs other procedures and or duties assigned within scope of practice and licensure requirements.  

Qualifications

Carondelet St. Josephs Hospital Hospital is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work with advanced technology and be part of a healthcare community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients.

At Carondelet St. Josephs Hospital, we understand that our greatest asset is our dedicated team of professionals. That’s why we offer more than a job – we provide a comprehensive benefit package that prioritizes your health, professional development, and work-life balance. The available plans and programs include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off
• Career development and continuing education opportunities
• Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, auto & home insurance

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location and is determined by employment status

Established in 1961, St. Josephs Hospital in Tucson is home to the Carondelet Neurological Institute and the Carondelet Joint Replacement Center. The hospital offers advanced care that includes a Level I Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center and spacious and comfortable labor and delivery units. Additional services include high-quality care in programs such as cardiology, orthopedics, stroke and emergency medicine. Join our team!