Registered Respiratory Therapist

The RRT position is responsible for administering safe, professional, and competent respiratory care as ordered per physician, to patients with various respiratory disorders.

• Performs arterial blood gas samples and perform sputum collection samples. 

• Evaluates patient health care status in relation to outcomes achieved as a result of respiratory therapy interventions and/or interventions by other team members.

• Maintains and troubleshoots PFT equipment and other respiratory equipment.

•  Identifies patient care problems/needs; establishes patient outcomes in response to identified needs; and implements and documents patient care in collaboration with the health care team. 

• Performs simple pulmonary exercise tests (six-minute walk test). 

• Performs spirometry, lung volume measurements and diffusion capacity testing (PFT’s). 

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  Provides therapeutic and diagnostic use of medical gases, humidifiers and aerosols; the administration of drugs and medications to the cardiorespiratory system; ventilator assistance and ventilatory control; chest physiotherapy for bronchial hygiene; breathing exercises; respiratory rehabilitation; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; maintenance of natural airway and insertion and maintenance of artificial airways to assigned patient(s), new admissions and transfers to their floors within the facility.

• Delivers patient condition shift report to therapist on the oncoming shift.

• Clearly communicates with and provides education to patients and families concerning diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization and post discharge care concerning respiratory care.

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  Collaborates with the health care team to identify and meet respiratory therapy needs throughout the course of care

• Appropriately adapts assigned patient assessment, treatment, and/or care methods to accommodate the unique physical, psychosocial, cultural, age-specific and other developmental needs of each patient served.

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  Responds to emergency situations.

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  Demonstrates competence to perform assigned patient care responsibilities in a manner that meets the population-specific and developmental needs of patients served by the department.

Must be a graduate of a C.A.A.H.E.P. approved respiratory therapy program. High School Diploma or GED is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
1. Current practitioner’s license in the state of Texas is required.

2.  Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) is required 
3. BLS certification is required.
4. Advanced life support certification is recommended.

EQUIPMENT/SKILLS:
1. Ability to concentrate and make quick judgments with a high level of skill, knowledge, understanding and accuracy.
2. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
3.  Computer skills.
4. Ability to work without close supervision
5.  Strong written and verbal skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Constant walking and/or standing.
2. Possible exposure to body fluids and infectious disease.
3. Requires physical stamina to lift and move patients.

OTHER: Performs other duties as assigned.