Respiratory Therapist

As a Respiratory Therapist RRT, you will assess, treat, and care for patients with acute or chronic cardiopulmonary disorders and associated aspects of other systems. The Respiratory Therapist RRT assumes primary responsibility for all provider ordered respiratory care modalities by initiating and conducting therapeutic and diagnostic procedures within their scope of practice. Respiratory care includes observing, assessing, and monitoring signs, symptoms, reactions, general behavior, and general physical response of individuals to respiratory care.

• Recognize signs and symptoms of an emergency and readily identify how to best support patients/families. Focus on patient safety and quality when applying appropriate respiratory interventions.
• Reviews existing data, collects additional data, and recommends obtaining data to evaluate the respiratory status of patients.
• Develops, implements, and modifies respiratory care treatment plans based on assessment of the cardiorespiratory system, department policy and procedure, physician-approved respiratory care protocols, clinical pathways, referrals and written, verbal, or telecommunicated orders of a physician.
• Initiates and conducts prescribed therapeutic and diagnostic procedures such as: administering medical gases, humidification and aerosols, aerosol medications, postural drainage, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic monitoring, and other physiologic monitoring; collects specimens of blood and other diagnostic specimens.
• Manages mechanical ventilator support and other means of life support, maintains artificial and natural airways, initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures, performs invasive and non-invasive procedures following established standards.
• Documents necessary information in the patient’s medical record and on other forms and communicates the information to members of the health care team.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform complex procedures and the critical thinking skills required to serve critical patients.
• Obtains, assembles, calibrates, and checks necessary equipment. Uses problem solving to identify and correct malfunctions of respiratory care equipment.
• Demonstrates appropriate interpersonal skills to work productively with patients, families, providers, and co-workers. Serves patients with regard to age specific/cultural diversity needs.
• Participates in the orientation, mentorship and education of personnel and students. Provides formal and informal teaching/learning opportunities to assist personnel to achieve and maintain competence necessary for safe and effective practice.
• Accepts directives, maintains confidentiality, does not discriminate, upholds MH Code of Conduct, Standards of Performance, and ethical standards of the profession.
• Responsible for maintaining 100% of all hospital and departmental required and mandatory education, competencies, certifications, and licensure specific to areas they are assigned.
• Specific job duties may vary based on facility and healthcare setting.
• All other duties as assigned.