Respiratory Therapist; RRT

Overview

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) shall provide all aspects of respiratory care under the guidance of a qualified physician and the Director of Respiratory Therapy.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 1 year - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 1 year - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within 1 year - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA)

• Associate’s Degree:
  Respiratory Therapy (Required)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy

• Ability to administer oxygen mixtures using various oxygen delivery devices
• Ability to set up, initiate and maintain ventilators and CPAP devices
• Assist with intubation
• Familiar with airway maintenance principles, endotracheal and tracheostomy care
• Follow procedures and observations for care during and after extubation
• Initiate and maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other related life support procedures
• Confere with physicians regarding respiratory therapy concerning patient care, interpret and carry out physician orders
• Administer specific dosages of respiratory therapy related medications as specified by a physician
• Recognize, interpret, and record signs and symptoms of medication side effects that require physician notification
• Safely use equipment for delivering positive pressure, humidification, nebulization, and medications to patients
• Utilize methods that assist in secretion removal: hydration, breathing and coughing exercises, postural drainage, chest percussion, and airway suctioning
• Perform all aspects of pulmonary function testing, if trained
• Use department pulmonary function equipment; perform 12‑lead EKGs and prepare them for physician interpretation
• Oversee work of certified and non-certified technicians in procedures requiring a high level of expertise
• Dismantle and reassemble most respiratory therapy equipment
• Take necessary precautions for safe handling of all respiratory equipment
• Work well with patients at all age levels; be sensitive to age‑specific needs and adapt clinical approach accordingly
• Work independently and supervise shift needs if required
• Practice the WAY TO BE standards
• Perform arterial punctures and arterial line draws per guidelines and competency assessment, evaluate patient respiratory status, set up BiPAP and Opiflow devices, evaluate response to therapy, and educate on medication use

• Effectively administer oxygen mixtures using various oxygen delivery devices
• Set up, initiate and maintain ventilators and CPAP devices
• Assist with intubation
• Apply airway maintenance principles, endotracheal and tracheostomy care
• Follow procedures and observations for care during and after extubation
• Initiate and maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life support procedures
• Confer with physicians regarding all aspects of respiratory therapy concerning patient care, interpret and carry out physician orders
• Administer specific dosages of respiratory therapy related medications as specified by a physician
• Recognize, interpret, and record signs and symptoms of medication side effects that require physician notification
• Safely use equipment for delivering positive pressure, humidification, nebulization, and medications to patients
• Utilize methods that assist in the removal of secretions from the bronchial tree such as hydration, breathing and coughing exercises, postural drainage, chest percussion, and airway suctioning
• Perform all aspects of pulmonary function testing if trained
• Use department pulmonary function equipment; perform 12‑lead EKGs and prepare for physician interpretation
• Oversee work of certified and non-certified technicians for procedures requiring a high level of expertise
• Dismantle and reassemble most respiratory therapy equipment
• Take necessary precautions to ensure safe handling of all respiratory equipment
• Work well with…