Certified Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Provides bedside respiratory care to patients as assigned by supervisors and given on the physician's written order for both in house and out patient care.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe and effective administration of medically prescribed medication, knowing indications and contraindications.
• Knows and follows the indications, contraindications, and policy/procedure for administering therapeutic modalities including IPPB, IS, USN, HHN, and MDI.
• Sets up and monitors oxygen administration; sets up oxygen cylinders and ensures proper usage and safety measures are in place.
• Performs bedside PFT tests; may be requested to perform tests in the PFT lab following adequate training and/or orientation.
• Serves as a member of the "code team" responding to arrest situations, including performing CPR (compression) as part of the team; must be certified in CPR procedures annually.
• Performs daily/weekly preventive maintenance, calibration, and quality control of ABG and co-oximeter analyzers.
• Familiar with oxygen delivery systems (e.g., nasal, venturi mask) and measuring devices, including pulse oximeter, Wright's respirometer, and oxygen blenders.
• Responsible for the setup, safety check, monitoring, and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators in collaboration with a respiratory therapist.
• Familiar with CPAP and BiPAP setup and administration.
• Maintains accurate, legible records, documenting clinical notes in patients' charts; reports patient progress and prioritizes patient condition to the next shift.
• Ensures proper documentation in department records; participates in staff meetings and attends lectures, conferences, and seminars.
• Attends all required safety training programs and can describe responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards.
• Follows the hospital exposure control plans/bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and interdepartmentally to facilitate the department's/unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

Must be a graduate of an approved school of respiratory care

Required Licenses/Certifications

Must be registered, or registry eligible, certified or certified eligible Must possess current state licenseCPR certification ACLS certificationPALS certification (optional)NALS certification (optional)

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

ACLS providerCPR providerPALS/NALS provider (optional)

Required Regulations

Required to comply with OSHA regulations for the N95 respirator training and fit testing.Adhere to infection control policies and guidelines appropriate for their work area. Hand hygiene and PPE (job applicable) followed when appropriate.