Respiratory Therapist Registered

Position Summary: Provides respiratory care services to patients who require emergency care, intensive care, therapeutic treatment, invasive and non-invasive monitoring, diagnostic testing and patient education for pulmonary and cardiopulmonary disorders.  Monitors and maintains equipment and participates in quality assurance and improvement activities. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Interviews, examines and assesses patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
2. Consults with physicians to develop patient treatment plans. Creates therapy programs for patients based on the instructions of physicians and assessment findings.
3. Performs diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity, takes blood samples and uses a blood gas analyzer to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
4. Treats patients using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy, aerosol medications and non-invasive methods such as CPAP and BIPAP therapies. May connect, monitor, and treat patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators.
5. Monitors and records the progress of treatment.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Associate degree in a Respiratory Therapist Educational Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).   

·       Current state licensure as a respiratory therapist.

·       Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the NBRC.

• BLS certification

Preferred: 

              ·       Bachelor’s degree.