Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for administering respiratory medications and providing other respiratory services and/or therapeutic treatments to hospital patients. Services and treatments could include BIPAP/CPAP; oxygen therapy; sputum collection; suctioning; airway management; inhalation therapy treatments; humidifier and mist test setup and monitoring; pulmonary function tests; pulse oximetry and others.

Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrates ability to give and follow instructions accurately
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills necessary to interact with various levels of health care personnel and patients
• Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills

Knowledge

• Anatomy and physiology of pulmonary system
• Basic respiratory therapy therapeutic treatments and services
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support concepts and measures
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support concepts and measures

Education

• Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory therapy preferred
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials required
• Current registration as a Respiratory Care Practitioner with the state of Indiana Health Professions Bureau

Experience

• Two-five years of experience preferred
• A minimum of one year of previous clinical experience required

Authority and Accountability

• Extensive exposure to confidential information or matters
• Frequent contact with various persons or groups within and outside of the hospital including employees, department managers, physicians, patients, visitors and outside agency personnel
• Must be able to work with and communicate with different types of people

Aptitudes

• Must be able to prioritize, utilize critical thinking, and adjust to change
• Must be able to reason and use logical problem-solving skills
• Performs duties that require some latitude for independent judgment and initiative in handling situations out of the ordinary

Physical and Mental Effort

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular requirement to walk, stand, and sit; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; talk; and hear
• Frequent requirement to stoop, crouch, and kneel
• Regular requirement to lift 10-25 pounds
• Occasional requirement to lift > 25 pounds
• Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Speaking and listening skills are essential
• Must be able to work under a moderate amount of stress
• Must be able to read, write and do simple calculations; follow written and oral instructions

Environmental and Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate
• Work is performed in a clean, well-lighted and ventilated building
• Could be subject to infectious diseases, cuts, abrasions, burns, and punctures
• Work schedule may vary

Accountability

• Reports to the VP of Nursing

Quality Assurance-Key Responsibilities

Administers oxygen per physician order

• Nasal cannula
• Mask
• Regular
• Non-rebreather
• Venturi
• Pediatric
• T-Tube

Sets up, maintains, and takes down mist/croup tents

Cleans, sterilizes and stores Respiratory Services equipment appropriately and in a timely fashion

Performs pulse oximetry readings

• bedside
• exercise oximetry

Performs patient suctioning appropriately

• Oral
• Nasal
• Endotracheal
• Tracheostomy