RRT

Respiratory Therapy is an allied health profession focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung diseases and breathing disorders. Respiratory Therapists at Cibola General Hospital provide comprehensive respiratory care across multiple areas, including adult critical care, general medical floors, the Emergency Room, and the Pulmonary Function Laboratory. They also support seriously ill patients in Radiology, CT, and during ambulance transports.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer physician-prescribed respiratory therapy treatments with a thorough understanding of indications, contraindications, potential complications, and expected outcomes.
• Set up, monitor, and manage mechanical ventilators for patients requiring respiratory support.
• Deliver oxygen therapy, humidification, nebulizers, aerosols, and Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) according to physician orders or approved protocols.
• Perform pulmonary function testing (PFT) including Flow Volume Loops, DLCO, Nitrogen Washouts, and other specialized studies.
• Assist with airway management, intubations, and emergency respiratory care.
• Participate as an active member of the CPR/Code Blue team.
• Perform and assist with diagnostic procedures including EKGs, stress testing, Holter monitoring, EEGs, and arterial blood gas draws.
• Maintain accurate patient records, treatment documentation, and charging for all respiratory services provided.
• Communicate pertinent patient information and recommendations to physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary care team.
• Provide patient and family education on respiratory conditions, treatments, medications, and equipment use.
• Monitor and evaluate ongoing therapy effectiveness, making appropriate adjustments as needed.
• Clean, maintain, and calibrate respiratory equipment to ensure proper function and infection control standards.
• Observe and enforce all safety rules, infection control policies, and hospital emergency plans (fire, disaster, etc.).
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of departmental policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in departmental research, evaluation of new equipment/technology, and in-service education.
• Assist with patient transports (ground and air) and provide respiratory support in Radiology and CT departments.
• Demonstrate age-specific competencies necessary to provide safe and effective care to neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Understand and adhere to Cibola General Hospital’s Compliance Code of Conduct. Report any observed or suspected unethical, illegal, or questionable conduct to the Compliance Coordinator.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Respiratory Therapy Manager or Administration.

Education & Licensure

• Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy from a two-year AMA-approved program required.
• Must have successfully passed a national Respiratory Therapy credentialing exam.
• Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred; Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) considered with commitment to obtain RRT within 12 months.
• Current licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in the State of New Mexico required.
• Current BLS (CPR) certification required; ACLS preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.

Professional Experience

• Two (2) years of post-graduate respiratory therapy experience preferred.
• One (1) year of critical care experience preferred.
• One (1) year of pediatric experience preferred.
• Emergency Room or transport experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of respiratory care principles, anatomy, physiology, medications, and equipment.
• Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records and documentation.
• Commitment to continuing education and staying current with advancements in respiratory care.
• Strong customer service and patient advocacy skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent lifting, moving, and positioning of patients and equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for equipment setup and procedures.
• Visual and auditory acuity to monitor alarms, patients, and equipment.