Summary of Essential Functions:

• Provides diagnostic studies: arterial blood gases and pulmonary function studies.
• Provides therapeutic procedures: mechanical ventilation, pulmonary hygiene, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, and CPR and airway management, assisting with bronchoscopy.
• Provides supportivefunctions:record keeping, quality improvement, supply stocking and equipment processing.
• Have an understanding of age-specific cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation as related to respective patient care standards.

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be a graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Therapist program.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Licenses and Certification:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist
• Must have a current license to practice Respiratory Care in the State of Texas.
• Must be credentialed by the NBRC as a therapist.
• Must have CPR Certification.

Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Level of judgment requires awareness of contraindications and hazards involved with various treatments.
• Basic knowledge of respiratory diseases and complications
• Basic knowledge of principles and properties of drugs
• Knowledge of infection control and isolation procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds to emergency situations. Performs pulmonary hygiene, diagnostic procedures, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy.
• Understand respiratory anatomy and physiology, able to interpret arterial blood gas values and PFT values, capable of trouble shooting mechanical ventilators, apply and execute physician orders.
• Performs Respiratory Care protocols and patient evaluations. Approach all care tasks with critical insight and make suggestions for changes as deemed appropriate, Ensures proper documentation of all procedures, along with all patient or family education.
• Ability to evaluate and assess patient status and make recommendations for the best interest of the patient.
• Ability to perform in all areas of the hospital that offer respiratory care services. Assisting physicians with bronchoscopy. Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab (performs specialized basic Pulmonary Function Test, ensures that all testing is performed with high degree of skill and accuracy.)
• Ensure all information is kept confidential.
• Keeps accurate records in the hospital information system, and ensures that patient therapy records are completed.
• Uses AIDET consistently.
• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.