Respiratory Therapist- Registered

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performing all aspects of respiratory therapy and electrocardiography in a proficient and competent manner, in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Essential Duties

Respiratory Therapy

• Administer small- and large-volume nebulizer treatments.
• Perform lung-expansion therapy.
• Perform chest physiotherapy.
• Perform nasotracheal suctioning.
• Administer and titrate oxygen therapy.
• Perform pulse oximetry.
• Collect arterial blood gas samples.
• Monitor and assess patients.
• Interpret arterial blood gas results and take appropriate corrective action.
• Demonstrate competency with Respironics VAPS.
• Demonstrate competency with the Respironics Esprit ventilator.
• Demonstrate competency with the Respironics Vision BiPAP system.

Ventilation Management

• Demonstrate competency with the Philips V60 ventilator.
• Demonstrate competency with the Hamilton Galileo T1 ventilator.
• Demonstrate competency with the Newport HT50 transport ventilator.
• Provide airway care, including oral and tracheal hygiene.
• Perform end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring.
• Evaluate ventilator-weaning parameters.
• Assist with or perform extubations according to established procedures.
• Administer and manage CPAP and BiPAP therapy.

Emergency Response

• Assist with intubations for infant, pediatric, and adult patients.
• Respond to unstable infant deliveries and demonstrate proficiency with required equipment.
• Respond to cardiopulmonary arrests and trauma cases, including airway management, chest compressions, and operation of emergency equipment.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Testing

• Educate patients regarding disease processes and breathing-retraining techniques.
• Perform pulmonary stress testing and 12-minute walk tests.
• Perform pulmonary-function testing and demonstrate proficiency with testing equipment.
• Conduct slow vital capacity, forced vital capacity, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, maximal voluntary ventilation, maximal negative inspiratory force, positive expiratory force, and nitrogen washout studies.
• Assist with patient strength and conditioning exercises in coordination with Physical Therapy.
• Perform oximetry exercise testing for pulmonary rehabilitation and home-oxygen qualification.

Electrocardiography

• Perform standard 12-lead electrocardiogram tracings.

Documentation and Patient Billing

• Document all therapies and ensure proper placement of documentation within the patient’s electronic medical record.
• Scan documents and coordinate inter-district mailing as required.
• Complete daily billing forms according to the services rendered on the worklist.

Equipment Cleaning, Maintenance, and Supplies

• Properly disassemble, clean, and reassemble respiratory therapy equipment.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of equipment currently in use.
• Ensure non-billable items are ordered and adequately stocked.
• Perform required safety tests on equipment before use.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

Education and License

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from an American Medical Association-accredited Respiratory Therapy program required.
• Must be credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist through the National Board for Respiratory Care.

Certifications

• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification required.
• Current Basic Life Support certification required.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification required within six months of the date of hire.

Additional Qualifications

• Must dress professionally and maintain a clean appearance while on duty.
• Must maintain appropriate personal hygiene while on duty.
• Must demonstrate professional behavior when interacting with patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Must wear an identification badge while on duty.
• Must follow all safety procedures when handling cleaning materials.
• Must follow universal precautions during all patient contact.
• Must follow isolation guidelines and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Work Environment

Works indoors in an air-conditioned hospital environment.

Physical Demands

Frequent use of computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment. Must be able to stand, sit, stoop, twist, kneel, reach, push, and pull using proper body mechanics. Must also be able to move or lift varying amounts of weight up to a maximum of 50 lbs.

Schedule

• Full-time position.

Benefits

• Eligible for the hospital’s comprehensive employee benefits package.