Summary

The Respiratory Therapist provides a complete range of therapeutic care to patients requiring respiratory care services as ordered by a staff physician.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

-  Perform respiratory assessments and procedures, including bronchial drainage, positive pressure breathing modalities, bedside spirometry, and nasotracheal suction procedures

-  Monitor tracheostomy changes and metered dose inhaler instruction and perform an evaluation

-  Perform aerosol treatments and aerosol therapy

-  Perform arterial capillary punctures and blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and chest physiotherapy

-  Completely and accurately record data and therapy rendered in the patients permanent medical record

-  Initiate and monitor the effectiveness of mechanical ventilator support

-  Perform weaning parameters and extubations as indicated and ordered

-  Know the indications and contraindications for the administration of respiratory drugs, particularly those administered via the inhalation route; communicate observations and any adverse reactions to the appropriate personnel

-  Review the quality and appropriateness of therapy on a routine basis

-  Audit charts and participate in Performance Improvement activities

-  Participate in teaching programs involving respiratory staff, patients, nursing students, and new hires

-  Participate in in-service education for nursing

-  Assist the department head and medical director in initiating new therapy procedures

-  Repair and maintain all respiratory care equipment in compliance with all infection control policies

-  Adhere to all hospital and department policies and procedures

-  Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services

-  Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

Education and Experience
 

Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
Preferred Education: Not applicable
 

Experience: Previous experience as a respiratory therapist is preferred, but new graduates will be considered on the grounds that they are familiar with and able to operate mechanical ventilators, BIPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen and aerosol delivery devices, oxygen analyzers, pressure monitors, portable and stationary pulmonary function equipment, pulse oximetry devices, EtCO2 devices, blood gas machines and related reports, computers, and a stethoscope.
 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Applicants must be licensed to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants must also be credentialed by the National Board for respiratory care. Registry eligible therapists must become registered within 90 days of graduation.
Also upon hire, candidates must be BLS certified. ACLS and PALS certifications must obtained within 90 days of hire. NRP certifications will be obtained as classes permit.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.