Clinical Respiratory Therapist

A day in the life of a respiratory therapist can involve meeting and assessing new patients, as well as administering treatment to and following up with existing patients. RTs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, critical care units, neonatal intensive care units, ERs, and even in patients’ homes. RTs should be detail-oriented, patient, compassionate, and possess stellar interpersonal skills as they interact with vulnerable patients who often need as much genuine comfort as they do medical treatment.

Respiratory Therapist Job Duties

Respiratory therapists have a wide range of duties throughout their days. A typical day or shift can consist of: 

• Meeting with and examining patients who have pulmonary diseases, disorders, or complications 
• Conducting, performing, and analyzing diagnostic and function tests to assess lung capacity and capability
• Working with physicians and nurses to create treatment plans
• Treating patients with aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy
• Evaluating progress of treatment
• Administering inhalants
• Documenting care by updating charts and records
• Operating mechanical ventilators and other machines
• Completing discharge planning by working with other members of the medical team
• Training patients how to administer treatments and use equipment on their own
• Recommending equipment and treatment for outpatient or home health
• Protecting patients (and other healthcare employees) through stringent protocols

Skills

·     Verbal communication skills

·     Calm bedside manner

·     Compassion

·     Deep understanding of infectious control

·     Ability to work with a medical team

·     Good judgment and quick decision-making ability

·     Time management skills

·     Physiological knowledge

·     Patience and ability to teach and train patients

·     Detail oriented

·     Science and math skills

Requirements:

•              Current state license to practice as a Respiratory Therapist.

•              Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

•              Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

•              Ability to work 12 hour shifts in a fast-paced environment and respond to emergency situations.

Physical and Emotional Demands: Good physical and emotional health. As the Respiratory Therapist may be required to stand or sit for long periods of time, lift and move patients, and work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare.  

Exposure Risks: Normal work routine could involve exposure to blood and body fluids. Responsible for following OSHA guideline standard and the use of universal precautions.

Working Conditions: Hours indicated by the residents and community's needs. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

If your assignment involves caring for individuals on life-support, where having a therapist in-house is required by law, you will need to make arrangements to come to work during inclement weather. These arrangements can be in coordination with NJRA, and may involve alternative modes of transportation, such as a taxi, or showing up to work earlier or staying at work later then your scheduled shift.

New Jersey Respiratory is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at New Jersey Respiratory are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to a person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.