Respiratory Therapist

SUMMARY

In any patient care setting, the Respiratory Therapist will implement and update care plans, perform cardiopulmonary evaluation, administer respiratory therapy treatment techniques, and provide education to the patient, family, other team members, students,  and the public.

Evaluation shall include the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data obtained from physiological specimens, performing diagnostic tests, and performance of history and physical related to respiratory care.
Therapy shall include the application and monitoring of medical gases (excluding anesthetic gases) and environmental control systems, mechanical ventilator support, artificial airway care and maintenance, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pharmacologic agents related to respiratory care procedures, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 

Education shall include providing and documenting education to patient and family, acting as a preceptor for both orienting team members and students assigned to rotations at RRHS affiliates, and providing public education upon request.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews and evaluates existing data in the patient record including patient history, physical exam, current vital signs, admission and current respiratory care orders for each patient assigned.  

• Reviews and evaluates other pertinent data, such as blood gas and other laboratory results, hemodynamic monitoring, electrocardiogram, and radiology study reports, specific to each patient assigned.

• Advises providers on appropriate respiratory care procedure and techniques for a given patient care situation.  

• Selects, assembles, and checks respiratory care equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness.

• Recommends, conducts and documents prescribed therapeutic procedure of all types, including medication administration, airway care, bronchial hygiene, oxygen and aerosol therapy, ventilator support, and monitoring and diagnostic procedures.

• Monitors and documents all pertinent clinical parameters and assessments on all assigned patients according to departmental policies and procedures.  

• Modifies treatment techniques based on patient response.

• Provides and documents patient education for therapeutic procedures performed.

• Initiates and updates respiratory care plan for all patients per department policy and procedure as applicable.

• Works collaboratively with other members of the health care team to implement the plan of care.

• Maintains ACLS certification and initiates optimum emergency resuscitation procedures.

• Communicates information regarding patient’s clinical status to appropriate members of health care team according to departmental policies and procedures.

• Participates in the instruction and orientation of Respiratory Care team members, students, and other allied health professionals in methods of administration of respiratory care.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICTIONS:

• Associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent certificate.

• New York State Respiratory Therapist (RT) license with current registration, including credentials received prior to 9/1993.

OR

• New York State Respiratory Therapy Technician (RTT) license AND National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) active credentials as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

• ACLS certification (current) required within one year of hire.

• Respiratory therapists employed in non-acute (Pulmonary or Long-Term Care) areas are excluded from the ACLS requirement