Respiratory Therapist

Overview

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the administration of services offered by the Respiratory Therapy Department.

Responsibilities

• Reads physician's orders to determine requirements for treatment.
• Upon the request of a physician provides assessment of the patient and recommends appropriate respiratory care.
• Takes and records pulse rate, respiratory rate, and breath sounds when patient is being treated.
• Prepares patient for procedures and/or treatment by explaining treatment and/or procedures.
• Delivers prescribed procedure and/or treatment to the patient.
• Observes patient during treatments or procedures and monitors equipment to assure that proper function to maximize patient safety.
• Notifies nursing department or physician of adverse reactions to treatment and documents reaction in patient's chart.
• Prepares and maintains patient chart per departmental policy.
• Inspects and tests all equipment prior to use.
• Teaches in an in-service capacity.
• Participates in Quality Assessment and Improvement for the Respiratory Therapy Department.
• Orders medications, supplies and equipment.
• Responds to all "Code Blues" to assist Medical personnel by administering urgent respiratory therapy.
• Assigns cases to Respiratory Technicians and assures that procedures are performed in an efficient manner and per policy. Evaluates procedures and methods of Technicians.
• Orients new Respiratory Technicians.
• Interviews applicants and recommends hiring, promotion, disciplining, and termination of Respiratory Therapy Technicians.
• Solves technical problems and answer questions for Respiratory Therapy Technicians.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education:

• Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy required.

Work Experience:

• Supervisory experience in Respiratory Therapy preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

• Certified by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of respiratory therapy principles, practices, equipment, and procedures.
• Ability to provide clinical oversight and leadership within the Respiratory Therapy Department.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to supervise staff and coordinate departmental operations.
• Ability to effectively respond to patient care needs in a variety of clinical settings.
• Ability to maintain competency in respiratory care techniques and emerging practices.

Physical Requirements:

• Must possess the physical ability to exert twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, ten (10) to twenty-five (25) pounds of force frequently, and greater than negligible up to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Physical demands exceed those associated with light work.

Additional Information:

• Performs other duties as required