Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. They collect and analyze sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine oxygenation and ventilation status. Respiratory therapist also measures lung volumes and capacities, deliver inhaled medication as prescribed and performs a variety of chest physiotherapies to aid in the treatment of pulmonary disease. Under the supervision of the department manager and medical director a Respiratory therapist I must have successfully completed either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.

All respiratory therapist I’s must complete their board licensure testing as a CERTIFIED respiratory therapist and hold an active state license as a CERTIFIED respiratory technician and must obtain their REGISTERED respiratory therapy license within one year of hire. The RTI may provide care in all areas of the hospital, excluding NICU (at manager’s discretion) but must be indirectly supervised by a registered respiratory therapist as per state law.

Once licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist is obtained the RTI may be eligible for advancement to the RTII level.

• Mechanical ventilator initiation and management.
• Insertion and/or care of artificial airways.
• Patient assessment, medication administration and recommendation for therapy, interpretation of clinical data.
• Airway clearance & bronchoscopy assist as appropriate.
• Participation in the Rapid Response Team, Code Team, Trauma Team, and Sepsis team as applicable by member.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary rounds in critical care areas and participate in education of students/other staff.
• Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
• Maintains a safe environment complying with NLH policies and procedures; reports and directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed.
• May perform other duties upon request.

• Required Respiratory Therapist

• Required Associate's Degree
• Graduate of a 2-year Associate Degree or a 4-year Baccalaureate Degree NBRC approved Respiratory Therapy Program
• Maine State professional license and meet the current license eligibility requirements of the NBRC
• BLS certification