The Respiratory Therapist provides a complete range of therapeutic care to patients requiring respiratory care services as ordered by a staff physician.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

• Perform respiratory assessments and procedures, including bronchial drainage, positive pressure breathing modalities, bedside spirometry, and nasotracheal suction procedures
• Monitor tracheostomy changes and metered dose inhaler instruction and perform an evaluation
• Perform aerosol treatments and aerosol therapy
• Perform arterial capillary punctures and blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and chest physiotherapy
• Completely and accurately record data and therapy rendered in the patients permanent medical record
• Initiate and monitor the effectiveness of mechanical ventilator support
• Perform weaning parameters and extubations as indicated and ordered
• Know the indications and contraindications for the administration of respiratory drugs, particularly those administered via the inhalation route; communicate observations and any adverse reactions to the appropriate personnel
• Review the quality and appropriateness of therapy on a routine basis
• Audit charts and participate in Performance Improvement activities
• Participate in teaching programs involving respiratory staff, patients, nursing students, and new hires
• Participate in in-service education for nursing
• Assist the department head and medical director in initiating new therapy procedures
• Repair and maintain all respiratory care equipment in compliance with all infection control policies
• Adhere to all hospital and department policies and procedures
• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services
• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Experience: Previous experience as a respiratory therapist is preferred, but new graduates will be considered on the grounds that they are familiar with and able to operate mechanical ventilators, BIPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen and aerosol delivery devices, oxygen analyzers, pressure monitors, portable and stationary pulmonary function equipment, pulse oximetry devices, EtCO2 devices, blood gas machines and related reports, computers, and a stethoscope.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Registry eligible therapists must become registered within 2 years of graduation. Upon hire applicants must be licensed to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the Commonwealth of Virginia and also be credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Also upon hire, candidates must be BLS certified. ACLS certifications must obtained within 90 days of hire. NRP certifications will be obtained as classes permit.