Respiratory Therapist

General Summary of Position

Possesses and demonstrates adequate knowledge to provide respiratory care to all patient populations with technique appropriate to chronological, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Respiratory care delivered is ordered by a physician according to established standards practice and protocols.

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Assesses the physical, psychosocial, spiritual & cultural dimensions of the patient as well as educational needs and appropriately documents.
• Performs all respiratory therapy treatments and services including but not limited to: application, operation, monitoring and management of all equipment and services provided. Services include but are not limited to: oxygen mixed gas and humidity; monitoring; ventilators (invasive and non‑invasive); bronchial hygiene; lung expansion; spirometry testing; EKG machines; blood gas analysis.
• Employs principles of therapeutic communication, interviewing techniques, problem solving and crisis intervention when performing patient care.
• Reviews electronic medical records and physician orders throughout the work shift.
• Responds, performs and participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation by maintaining the airway, providing oxygen and ventilation via mask, endotracheal tube or other devices, and performs closed‑chest cardiac massage.
• Facilitates workflow efficiency monitoring interdepartmental systems and processes departmental policies and procedures and makes recommendations for improvements as needed.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered all inclusive.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Utilizes all organizational resources effectively and efficiently.
• Where applicable, refers to the competency validation documents for population(s) served.

• Associate's degree – Graduate of an AMA accredited program in respiratory care with an AAS Degree or higher (required).
• Bachelor's degree – Baccalaureate degree in a related healthcare field (preferred).

• Less than 1 year of acute care experience; registry eligible (required).

• RCP – Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner; must process and maintain license to practice Respiratory Care in Maryland and/or the District of Columbia (required).
• CRT – Certified Respiratory Therapist; licensed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (required).
• RRT – Registered Respiratory Therapist; preferred.
• CPR – Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from AHA or American Red Cross within 90 days (required).
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification; ACLS, NRP, PALS and other certifications required within a year (required).

• Working knowledge of human respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pathology as related to respiratory care.
• Knowledge of the operation of respiratory care equipment and its application in a clinical setting.
• Ability to assess hazardous conditions related to respiratory care and take corrective action.
• Ability to work with patients of all ages (neonatal to geriatric).
• Ability to remain calm and function under stressful conditions.
• Must work well as a team member; articulate and communicate well with all types of people.

This position has a hiring range of USD $35.68 – USD $64.71 per hour.

Not Applicable

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Hospitals and Health Care