Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Position Summary The Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides comprehensive cardiopulmonary care in accordance with physician orders, departmental policies, and industry standards. This role delivers respiratory therapy, life support, and diagnostic testing for residents with cardiopulmonary deficiencies or abnormalities. The Respiratory Therapist collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, and clinical leadership to optimize patient outcomes and maintain the highest standards of care.

Position: Respiratory Therapist (RT)
Department: Therapy
Reports To: Mendey Blake

Position Summary The Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides comprehensive cardiopulmonary care in accordance with physician orders, departmental policies, and industry standards. This role delivers respiratory therapy, life support, and diagnostic testing for residents with cardiopulmonary deficiencies or abnormalities. The Respiratory Therapist collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, and clinical leadership to optimize patient outcomes and maintain the highest standards of care.

• Administer respiratory therapy treatments and nebulized medications safely and effectively, understanding indications and potential side effects.
• Set up, monitor, and manage mechanical ventilators, performing critical care duties as required.
• Perform pulmonary function tests, upload report interpretations, send results to physicians, and communicate findings to clinical leadership.
• Utilize incentive spirometry, Flutter, chest physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, Omniflow, and other respiratory equipment for treatment and testing.
• Assess residents’ conditions, tolerance, and responses to treatments, adjusting care plans as needed.
• Formulate and implement teaching plans for residents and their families to promote understanding and compliance with respiratory care.

• Accurately document all treatments, assessments, and procedures in the resident’s medical record.
• Maintain thorough knowledge and use of electronic health records (EHR), departmental forms, flow charts, and logbooks.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, federal, state, and local regulations, and professional licensure requirements.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives related to the department and organization.

• Operate, inspect, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Follow departmental sterilization and infection control procedures.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate with clinical or technical teams for resolution.

• Attend in-service education programs and maintain professional competency.
• Support training and onboarding of new pulmonary staff.
• Serve as a clinical resource for pulmonary services and other clinical departments as required.

• Treat residents and their families with respect, dignity, and empathy.
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, and team members.
• Maintain confidentiality of medical, financial, and personal information.
• Represent the organization professionally and uphold its mission, ethics, and standards.

• Current state and national Respiratory Therapist licensure in good standing.
• Graduate of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification if working with residents in ventilator units (or obtain within six months of hire).

• Knowledge of general clinical services and respiratory care practices.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and exercise sound clinical judgment.
• Ability to handle complex or difficult situations professionally.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to safety standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow ethical standards in patient care.

• Posi…