Respiratory Therapist

JOB TITLE:  Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)   PRN Position

DEPARTMENT:     Cardiopulmonary Services

REPORTS TO: Cardiopulmonary Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is be responsible for the delivery of high-quality services to their patients and is accountable for the responsibilities within the department maintaining confidentiality of patient information and ensuring that the objectives of patient care and the organization are being met. The RRT shall promote good public relations through contacts with patients, physicians, visitors, employees, peers and the public at large.  The Registered Respiratory Therapist is expected to perform duties and responsibilities with indirect supervision and must frequently make independent decisions within the scope of his or her practice.  The Registered Respiratory Therapist will have direct and indirect supervision from the Cardiopulmonary Services Manager. The RRT is responsible for supervising and directing the activities of any student in the cardiopulmonary department.  An RRT will demonstrate competency in and perform the duties in cardiopulmonary and associated interventions. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•    Provide all cardiopulmonary procedures.  Consult with others as required and adjust cardiopulmonary processes as indicated to ensure optimal patient care. 
•    Maintain competency and perform arterial punctures. Arterial punctures include radial, brachial, and femoral when ordered by a clinician.
•    Complies with the established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement program, safety, environmental and infection control standards. 
•    Compiles statistical data for administrative and regulatory purposes. 
•    Maintains communication between the cardiopulmonary department, nursing and all ancillary departments for the purpose of improving patient care.  Utilizes appropriate lines of communication within the cardiopulmonary department. 
•    Reports outcomes of cardiopulmonary activities performed on behalf of the patient. 
•    Ensures that cardiopulmonary standards and practices are met throughout the facility. 
•    Attend departmental meetings and actively participates on hospital committees as assigned. 
•    Obtain continuing education units as required per National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and Kentucky licensure laws (KBRC).
•    Promote a safe environment that allows for the delivery of high-quality patient care. 
•    Protects patient confidentiality.
•    Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. 
•    Completes Annual Competency and Performance Appraisal Supplement for Age Appropriate Care
•    Performs other duties as assigned.  
 

MINIMUM EDUCATION

Must be a graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care educational program and hold the following license: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or eligible. Must have a current valid license to practice in the state of Kentucky. Current Basic Life Support [BLS] is required.  Advanced Cardiac Life Support [ACLS] must be obtained within one year of employment.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
    
Required clinical experience of an accredited Respiratory Care educational program.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

A graduate of a Respiratory Care educational program and is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.  Must have a current valid license to practice in the state of Kentucky.  PALS and NALS are preferred but not mandatory. One to two years of clinical experience preferred but not mandatory.  One to two years of ventilator experience preferred but not mandatory.