Certified Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary

The Certified Respiratory Therapist restores patients pulmonary function through pulmonary function testing, education, inhaler techniques; alleviates pain; supports life by planning and administering medically prescribed respiratory therapy.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Meets patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.
• Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and supports life by administering inhalants; operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments by assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by aides, technicians and assistants.
• Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending adjustments and modifications.
• Documents patient care services by charting in patient records via EHR.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs on equipment.
• Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of appropriate medical terminology
• Ability to work scheduled hours as defined in the employment agreement.
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, proper time-management skills and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities.
• Ability to read and understand oral and written instructions and follow written protocols.

Education / Training / Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED; no experience required
• Associates Degree from an accredited respiratory therapy school which results in a CRT (Certified respiratory therapist).
• Current licensure in VA as a Respiratory Therapist.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb or balance for limited periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally reach, bend, stoop and lift up to 50 lbs. *
• Ability to grasp and hold up to 25 lbs.*
• Ability to hear normal voice level communications in person or through the telephone.
• Ability to speak clearly and understandably.
• Ability to taste and smell.

Success Factors

• Alignment with Company Mission and Core Values
• Excellent Time Management/Organized
• Open Communication/Positive
• Goal Driven
• Excellent Customer Service
• Juggles Multiple Priorities
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail
• Accomplished in word processing and worksheet utilization

All statements are essential functions of the position unless identified as non-essential by an asterisk (*).