Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, the Respiratory Therapist (RT) is responsible for working with the physician, nurses, and other health team members to deliver medication, promote bronchial hygiene, manage mechanical ventilators, and monitor oxygenation status of patients. 

Job Duties:

• Assess patients and recommend respiratory therapy treatments with identification of expected outcomes and assists to develop plan of care based on diagnoses or issues.
• Plans, prepares, and administers respiratory therapy treatments including, but not limited to PEP Therapy, aerosol therapy, chest physical therapy, incentive spirometry, and sputum inductions.
• Performs arterial blood gas (ABG) puncture draw from arterial and central venous lines, and analysis.
• Performs advanced respiratory care modalities including but not limited to high frequency ventilation, nitric oxide administration and difficult intubation procedures.
• Knowledgeable and competent to care for the patient receiving mechanical ventilation, including ventilator setup, management of complicated patients, weaning and discontinuation, and proper troubleshooting.
• Educates the patient and family about the illness and provides information about community support groups and available programs.
• Performs diagnostic pulmonary and cardiac tests.
• Provides accurate medication and dosage to the correct patient as prescribed.
• Records patient treatment, response, and progress in a timely manner.
• Responds to Code Blue and Rapid Response calls and assists by maintaining the patient’s airway and performing CPR.
• Role models pro-active problem solving by collaborating with staff to ensure effective resolution of identified issues.
• Utilizes chain of command for unresolved or escalating issues and advocates for patients and staff to provide for safe delivery of care and/or a safe environment of care.
• Assures first person reporting of events through Event Reporting System.
• Actively participates and supports quality assurance and improvement programs.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy (BSRC) from an accredited program required
• Master of Science in Respiratory Care (MSRC) preferred

Experience:

• Minimum six (6) months Respiratory Therapist experience within a hospital setting required

License/Certification:

• Licensed by the Texas Medical Board (RCP) Upon Hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Upon Hire
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 90 Days
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 90 Days
• National Board for Respiratory Care Certification (NBRC) Upon Hire