Registered Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician's orders and department policies and procedures. Assesses, treats, and cares for patients with breathing disorders. Initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures; maintains patient records; and selects, assembles, checks, and operates respiratory care equipment.

General duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Performs accurate and complete respiratory assessments of patients; conducts initial screenings; assesses and reassesses pain; assessments are age, culture, and psycho-social appropriate.
• Determines requirements for treatment, such as type, method, and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates the effectiveness of learning, including educating the patient/family regarding pain management; discharge planning/follow-up instructions.
• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consults with Physician if adverse reactions occur.
• Prepares and administers medications based on age/clinical condition of the patient; demonstrates knowledge of respiratory medications, outcomes, and side effects.
• Conducts tests, such as holter monitoring, cardiac monitoring, and lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions; adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
• Completes routine daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning; maintains department equipment and assists with calibration of equipment; ensures proper documentation is completed.
• Documentation is complete, accurate, and timely; prepares the patient record in both electronic and chart form.
• Performs all aspects of the position in an environment that optimizes safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors; utilizes established hand-off communication protocols.
• Complies with all established safety procedures to ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education requirements:

• Current professional licensure/certification required.

Certification/Licensure requirements:

• Current IL Respiratory Therapist License required.
• BLS required.
• ACLS required.
• NRP required.
• PALS required.

Experience requirements:

• Respiratory Therapy minimum 1 year preferred.

Computer skills:

• Strong computer skills with the ability to navigate EMR programs.

Additional skills:

• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.