Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist is a skilled healthcare professional responsible for assessing, treating, and managing patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Working under the direction of physicians and in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, the Respiratory Therapist provides critical care, therapeutic interventions, and patient education to improve respiratory function and overall patient outcomes. This role requires expertise in respiratory equipment, diagnostic procedures, and emergency response, with a commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care in hospital, outpatient, or home health settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment: Conduct thorough respiratory assessments, including reviewing medical histories, performing physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests (e.g., arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests) to evaluate patient respiratory status.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Administer respiratory treatments such as oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, chest physiotherapy, and airway management to alleviate breathing difficulties and improve lung function.
• Ventilator Management: Set up, monitor, and adjust mechanical ventilators for patients requiring respiratory support, ensuring optimal settings and patient comfort while adhering to physician orders.
• Emergency Care: Respond to respiratory emergencies, including Code Blue events, by providing advanced life support measures such as intubation, CPR, and emergency airway management.
• Patient Education: Educate patients and families on respiratory conditions, treatment plans, and the proper use of respiratory equipment (e.g., inhalers, CPAP machines) to promote self-management and compliance.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of respiratory therapy equipment, ensuring functionality and compliance with safety standards.
• Documentation: Accurately document patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in electronic health records (EHR) systems, maintaining compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Collaboration: Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans, participating in rounds and care coordination meetings as needed.
• Quality Improvement: Participate in quality assurance initiatives, monitor patient outcomes, and recommend improvements to respiratory care protocols based on evidence-based practices.
• Compliance: Adhere to all federal, state, and institutional regulations, including infection control, patient privacy (HIPAA), and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
• Licensure/Certification:
• Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of clinical experience in respiratory therapy preferred; new graduates with strong clinical rotations may be considered.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, nebulizers, and diagnostic equipment (e.g., pulse oximeters, spirometers).
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology, respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma, pneumonia), and evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams effectively.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift/move equipment, and assist patients with mobility as needed.

Desired Skills

• Experience in critical care settings (e.g., ICU, NICU, or emergency department).
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems such as Epic or Cerner.
• Knowledge of home respiratory care, including CPAP/BiPAP therapy and portable oxygen systems.
• Certification in Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) or other specialized respiratory credentials.
• Ability to train or mentor junior staff or students in respiratory care techniques.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a hospital or acute care setting.
• Proficiency in advanced diagnostic procedures (e.g., bronchoscopy assistance, polysomnography).
• Experience with patient education programs or community outreach related to respiratory health.

Work Environment

• The role primarily operates in a clinical setting such as a hospital, outpatient clinic, or patient homes, with potential exposure to infectious diseases and high-stress situations.
• Shift work may include nights, weekends, and holidays, with on-call availability as required.
• The position may require wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to strict safety protocols.

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Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: From $59.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Shift:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Night shift

Work Location: On the road