Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performing all aspects of Respiratory Therapy and Electrocardiography in a proficient and competent manner according to established policies and procedures.

Essential Duties

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

Ventilation Management

• Demonstrate competency with the Phillips V60 ventilator.
• Demonstrate competency with the Hamilton Galileo T1 ventilator.
• Demonstrate competency with the Newport HT50 Transport ventilator.
• Provide airway care, including oral-tracheal hygiene.
• Perform end-tidal CO2 monitoring.
• Perform ventilator weaning parameters.
• Assist with extubations.
• Provide CPAP and BiPAP therapy.

Emergency Performance

• Assist with intubations for infant, pediatric, and adult patients.
• Respond to unstable infant deliveries with appropriate equipment proficiency.
• Respond to cardiopulmonary arrests and trauma situations, including airway management, chest compressions, and equipment operation.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Testing

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

Electrocardiography

• Perform standard 12-lead EKG tracings.

Documentation

• 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.

Patient Billing

• Complete all daily billing forms according to services rendered on the worklist.

Equipment Cleaning, Maintenance, and Supplies

• Properly disassemble, clean, and reassemble respiratory equipment.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of equipment in use.
• Ensure non-billable items are ordered and adequately supplied.
• Perform required safety tests on equipment before use.

Qualification Requirements

Education and License

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from an A.M.A.-accredited Respiratory Therapy program required.
• Must be credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Certifications

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification required within six months of hire.

Additional Qualifications

• Must dress in a professional and clean manner while on duty.
• Must maintain appropriate personal hygiene while on duty.
• Must demonstrate professional behavior toward patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Identification badge must be worn while on duty.
• Must follow established safety procedures when handling cleaning materials.
• Must follow universal precautions during all patient contact.
• Must follow isolation guidelines and use appropriate protective equipment.

Work Environment

Works indoors in an air-conditioned 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, and move or lift varying amounts of weight up to a maximum of 50 lbs.