Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist evaluates and treats patients with breathing disorders in accordance with hospital, state, professional and federal regulations and guidelines. Assumes primary responsibility for all respiratory care treatments. This position must integrate company values into daily practice.

Essential Functions:

• Performs medically prescribed respiratory care procedures in accordance with physician’s orders, medical staff approved protocols, and clinical practice guidelines.
• Assesses patient’s condition using professional judgment and in conference with patient’s physician. Evaluates appropriateness of therapy specifically in the treatment patients. Requests re-order when necessary and communicates with nurse and physician about discrepancies and concerns.
• Actively participates in patient rounds and team conferences as indicated. Participates in shift report, continuing educational programs offered, and mandatory in-services.
• Documents all procedures and patient education performed on all patients, including patients' response to therapy, and communicates patient tolerance or adverse response to therapy to nursing, physicians, and other applicable staff. Receives pertinent information concerning assigned patients and effectively communicates all relevant information to the oncoming shift.
• Maintains and cleans/sterilizes equipment and work area as required. Reports all malfunctions or breakage appropriately. Performs setup, maintenance and removal of equipment from patient care areas.
• Communicates appropriate information to patient and family concerning respiratory care procedures and equipment maintenance as needed.
• Stands by and assists during special procedures and responds to critical situations.
• May be required to work during inclement weather and other staffing emergencies.
• Provides an environment conducive to safety for patients, visitors, and staff. Assesses the risks for safety and implements appropriate precautions. Complies with appropriate and approved safety and Infection Prevention standards.
• Maintains regular attendance in keeping with assigned work schedule.
• Completes required trainings, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support overall effectiveness of the organization.

Minimum Job Requirements 

Minimum Education & Experience: 

• One year experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner required.
• Acute Care setting preferred.

Required Licenses, Certifications, and/or Documentation:

• Current state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist required.
• Current BLS certification required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrates competency in the provision of care according to established standards.
• Demonstrates appropriate application of age specific standards, policies and procedures and guidelines in caring for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates an understanding of treatment costs and financial support as they relate to quality and efficiency.
• Demonstrates general computer skills including data entry, word processing, email, and records management.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and complete complex tasks.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection prevention standards.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain proper levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to work closely and professionally with others at all levels of the organization

Physical Requirements Over the Course of a Shift:

• A significant amount of standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling, often for prolonged periods of time.
• Both gross and precise motor functions.
• Lifting/exerting of up to 50 lbs.
• Possible exposure to bodily fluids.
• Visual acuity required for patient assessment and documentation of care.
• Acute hearing required for accurate patient assessment.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and computer keyboard.