What are the responsibilities and job description for the Respiratory Therapist position at Summit Medical Center LLC?
The Respiratory Therapist provides skilled respiratory care and life support to patients across the continuum of care, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings as assigned. This role is responsible for performing assessments, diagnostic testing, and therapeutic interventions for patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. The Respiratory Therapist collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team to deliver safe, timely, and evidence-based respiratory care while adhering to clinical, safety, and regulatory standards to optimize patient outcomes.
Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program
Current Wyoming Respiratory Care Practitioner license
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required
- Current BLS
- ACLS and PALS within 90 days of hire
1. Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments, including evaluation of breath sounds, work of breathing, oxygenation, ventilation status, and response to therapy.
2. Administer respiratory treatments such as oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, inhaler instruction, and airway clearance techniques as prescribed by the provider.
3. Initiate, manage, and monitor mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation (e.g., BiPAP/CPAP), adjusting settings per physician order, facility approved protocol, and within the Respiratory Therapist scope of practice in accordance with Wyoming state regulations..
4. Provide advanced airway management support, including assisting with intubation, securing artificial airways, and monitoring airway patency.
5. Obtain, analyze, and interpret arterial blood gases (ABGs) and other diagnostic tests; communicate critical results promptly to the care team.
6. Set up, operate, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment, including ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and monitoring devices, ensuring cleanliness, calibration, and readiness.
7. Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals to develop, implement, and modify respiratory care plans based on patient condition and response to treatment.
8. Educate patients and families regarding respiratory conditions, treatments, use of inhalers and devices, smoking cessation, and home respiratory care as appropriate.
9. Accurately document all assessments, treatments, patient responses, equipment checks, and communications in the medical record in a timely manner.
10. Participates in rapid response, code blue, trauma resuscitation, and airway emergencies, including ventilatory management, advanced airway support, and resuscitation in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
11. Support infection control, safety, and quality improvement initiatives, including adherence to policies, protocols, and regulatory requirements. Implement appropriate infection prevention measures, including airborne, droplet, and contact precautions, and ensure safe delivery of aerosol-generating procedures
12. May be required to participate in on-call rotation and respond within defined timeframes to support emergency and inpatient respiratory needs.
13. Participates in quality improvement initiatives related to respiratory care, including ventilator management, oxygen utilization, and patient outcomes.
14. Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinates repair or replacement as needed.
15. Supports efficient patient throughput by prioritizing respiratory interventions, minimizing delays in diagnostics and treatment, and collaborating with the care team to meet departmental throughput goals.
16. Behave and dress in a professional and courteous manner consistent with the facilities Standards of Behavior.
17. Perform other duties as assigned.