Respiratory Therapist

Core Responsibilities

• Diagnostic Testing: Upon physician order, provides diagnostic testing to aid in the evaluation of cardiopulmonary function including, but not limited to, the following:
  • Patient assessment
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Bronchial Hygiene Therapy
  • Pulmonary Function testing
  • Sleep Apnea Monitoring
  • Pulse Oximetry
  • End Tidal CO2 Monitoring
  • Collaborates in the interpretation of Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) values
  • Reports findings and/or results to appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team
  • Documents in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Performs therapeutic procedures. Upon physician order, performs therapeutic procedures affecting the Cardiopulmonary system including but not limited to the following:
  • Oxygen and humidity therapy
  • Lung Expansion Therapy
  • Small and Large Volume Nebulizer therapy
  • Heated or Cool Aerosol therapy
  • Bronchial Hygiene
  • Airway management
  • Resuscitation
  • BIPAP or CPAP
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Facility based transport of critically ill patients
  • Attendance at all newborn high risk deliveries
  • Obtains RSV specimen, collects ABG sample, sputum samples, influenza swabs for the Laboratory.
  • Documents all procedures and medications administered in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Immediately reports adverse patient reactions to the Physician and/or Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Documents charges for all therapies provided.
• Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team
  • Reviews patients receiving Respiratory Care, to collaborate with the nursing and rehabilitation teams about the plan of care
  • Responds with priority to “STAT” orders and emergencies
  • Assists in other clinical areas as requested within the scope of practice:
    • Vital signs
    • Interdepartmental transfers
    • Cleaning and making up beds/rooms
    • Answering telephones
    • Entering orders
    • Obtaining supplies
    • Lifting/transferring patients
    • Notifies the Manager of departmental issues including malfunctioning equipment.
• Performs cleaning and clerical duties in the Department of Respiratory Care.
  • Disassembles respiratory equipment, cleans and sterilizes all reusable pieces according to CDC and the manufacturer's guidelines. Reassembles, covers & labels equipment indicating it is ready for use.
  • Enters thorough patient assessments and response to therapy in the EMR.
  • Maintains daily workload in Computer.
  • Obtains Physician orders for outpatient tests and provides non-electronic documents to HIM.
  • Communicates patient and departmental information to the on-coming Respiratory Therapist.
  • Assists with departmental performance improvement as requested.
• Provides education related to cardiopulmonary deficiencies
  • Educate the patient, family and/or caregiver(s) about necessary equipment, medications and expected physiological responses.
  • Review pulmonary exercises with the patient, family and/or caregiver(s) which may be beneficial during and after hospitalization, after collaboration with the physician.
  • Provide education to the patient about detriments to improved health and review lifestyle changes, including but not limited to smoking cessation.
  • Provided education to patients and family about asthma, develop action plans prior to discharge.

Other duties as assigned: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

General Responsibilities 

• Completes required education/skill/competencies.
• Attends and actively participates in interdepartmental meetings/education/competencies. Actively participates by giving constructive input.
• Refers to and follows policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development and attainment of departmental goals
• Contributes to the overall functioning of CMC and the department by assisting where and when needed. Functions as a positive team player.
• Maintains a clean, safe working environment.
• Assists in QI/QA as requested including data collection.
• Effectively communicates with other team members.
• Completes required work accurately and in a timely manner.

Job Related Behaviors

• Integrity/Pride/Honor: Exhibits the highest standards of professionalism in dealings with co-workers, employers, visitors, patients and residents both inside and outside of the facility.
• Respect/Equality: Treats others as he/she would like to be treated.
• Communication: Communicates openly and honestly and in a way that is clear and understandable. Uses positive communication and communicate appropriately with all CMC departments.
• Compassion: Creates an environment of safety and trust for patients/residents/employees
• Trust: Demonstrates trust in co-workers.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates honesty and integrity. Always strive to give 100%
• Safety: Creates/Ensures that work environment is safe for patients, residents, employees and visitors.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Is a good steward of CMC resources.
• Ambassadorship: Uses good judgement in behavior, appearance, words and actions. Remembers that employees are on stage at all times.
• Quality: Is proficient, competent and efficient.
• Teamwork: Lends a hand whenever possible to ensure top-notch patient/resident care.
• Commitment: Committed to co-workers, patients, residents and providers.

Work Environment: This position is based in a hospital environment. It involves frequent walking to different areas within the facility. The role may involve interactions with patients who could be carrying contagious diseases. There is a potential risk of coming into contact with blood, bodily fluids, latex, as well as various odors and chemicals.