Respiratory Therapist

Description

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for assessing, treating, and caring for patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders in a healthcare, long-term care, or acute care setting. This role involves providing therapeutic respiratory care, administering oxygen therapy, managing ventilators, and performing diagnostic tests to evaluate lung function. The Respiratory Therapist works closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to create individualized treatment plans and ensure the best possible care for patients with respiratory conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Assessment:

  • Assess patients' respiratory conditions by evaluating medical history, conducting physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests, and chest X-rays.
  • Collaborate with physicians and the healthcare team to develop treatment plans for patients with chronic respiratory diseases, acute conditions, or post-operative recovery needs.

• Therapeutic Interventions:

  • Administer therapeutic treatments, including oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, bronchodilators, and chest physiotherapy to improve lung function and oxygenation.
  • Manage ventilators and non-invasive ventilation devices, ensuring they are set correctly to meet the patient’s respiratory needs.
  • Provide airway management, including suctioning, intubation assistance, and tracheostomy care, when necessary.

• Monitoring and Documentation:

  • Monitor patients’ responses to respiratory treatments and adjust therapy based on clinical findings and patient progress.
  • Record and document patient assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes accurately in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
  • Regularly assess the function of respiratory equipment and ensure proper maintenance and calibration.

• Patient and Family Education:

  • Educate patients and their families on managing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea, at home.
  • Provide instruction on the use of inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen therapy equipment, as well as techniques for deep breathing exercises and other strategies to improve respiratory function.

• Emergency Response:

  • Respond to respiratory emergencies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway obstruction, and acute respiratory failure, ensuring rapid intervention and coordination with the medical team.
  • Assist in stabilizing and managing patients during medical emergencies, including trauma or cardiac events, by providing respiratory support and ventilation.

• Diagnostic Testing:

  • Perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung capacity, volume, and airflow.
  • Conduct arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to measure oxygen, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance.
  • Interpret diagnostic test results and report findings to physicians for treatment planning.

• Collaboration and Communication:

  • Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective communication regarding patient care plans and respiratory treatments.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings and contribute to discussions about patient progress, treatment goals, and care coordination.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
• Licensure: Current and active Respiratory Therapist license. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification required.
• Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare or acute care setting is preferred, but new graduates are welcome to apply.
• Skills:
  • Strong clinical and technical skills in managing respiratory care and ventilation equipment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with healthcare teams.
  • Ability to assess patient conditions and respond to emergency situations quickly and effectively.
  • Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems for documentation.
  • Knowledge of respiratory therapy best practices, treatments, and diagnostic procedures.

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Salary : $45 - $48