Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary

Assesses, treats, and cares for patients with breathing disorder. Initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures; maintains patient records; and selects, assembles, checks, and operates equipment.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates competency in respiratory therapeutics and in the use of non-invasive ventilators, pulmonary diagnostics, and other equipment required for the provision of respiratory care.
• Maintains accurate and precise documentation.
• Demonstrates a strong power of analytical reasoning and effectively blends patient care management skills with technical expertise.
• Communicates openly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrates proficiency in quality control and maintenance of arterial blood gas analyzers, specimen collection, and analysis of blood for gas transport and acid/base determination.
• Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Orlando Health policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Maintains compliance with all Orlando Health policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient’s age and medical condition.
• Demonstrates expertise in medical gas administration, environmental control systems, humidification, medication delivery, invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Provides care for patients in non-critical care, intermediate care, and intensive care units.
• Has advanced clinical skills and job responsibilities as described in the RRT Clinical Ladder program, including but not limited to preceptor, mentor, educator, and clinical specialist. Performs all other duties as assigned.
• Instructs clinical practicum students.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate for the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status. Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provides the care needed as described in the unit’s/area’s/department’s policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate of Science in Respiratory Care or Cardiopulmonary Sciences. (If licensed prior to December 31, 1987, a certificate of completion from an approved Respiratory Care program will be accepted).
• Intermediate Critical Care training as defined on Orlando Health’s Respiratory Clinical Ladder.
• Basic computer/mechanical training required.
• None.
• Maintains license as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the State of Florida Department of Health.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). RRTs registered on or after July 1, 2002, must maintain an active status with the (NBRC) and be updated every five years. RRTs credentialed prior to July 1, 2002, are not required to renew every five years in accordance with the NBRC.
• Maintains current BLS/HealthCare Provider certification.
• Advanced Life Support as appropriate per unit and site.
• Preferred: Maintains active membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and Florida Association for Respiratory Care (FSRC).