Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) I

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Conducts basic physician prescribed treatments and demonstrates competence in respiratory equipment related to respiratory care-based practice. Operates and maintains respiratory care equipment, administers patient care, and documents the practice activity in the patient's electronic medical record (EMR) at the required level of competence in accordance with scope of practice, departmental policies and procedures, HIPAA standards, and quality assurance guidelines.

Diploma or an Associate's degree in respiratory therapy from an Accredited Respiratory Care Education Program is required. 

Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an Accredited Respiratory Care Education Program is preferred. 

N/A

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is required.

Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner or eligibility for licensure in the state of practice is required. License must be obtained within 6 months.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is required. 

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is preferred.

Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills.

Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.

Fosters respect for patient privacy, promotes customer service, and interacts appropriately with others.

Maintains a high degree of professionalism and maintains composure under pressure.

Possesses a high degree of initiative, seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.

Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills and possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

Knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR) systems.

In accordance with all applicable policy/guidelines: Conducts basic physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature in order to administer prescribed medicinal vapors and gases, humidity, and various oxygen concentrations to the respiratory system of the patient (these include but are not limited to: IPPBs, Nebulizers, Ultrasonic, Oxygen Devices, Chest Physical Therapy, SPAG Units).  Performs venipuncture and arterial collection procedures which enables accomplishment of accurate test results. Sets-up, operates, and monitors ventilators when patient’s respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation.

Monitors and Assists with Airway Clearance, Tracheostomy Tube Plugging, Speaking Valves, and Tracheostomy Tube Changes. Monitors pulse oximetry, Infant Nasal CPAP and high flow oxygen.

Collaborates with other patient, family and health care team colleagues in development of patient care plan. Evaluates patients progress toward achievement of expected respiratory outcomes.   Explains purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to the patient.  Assists in patient discharge planning.

Collects and analyzes respiratory data about the patient in a systematic and continuous manner.  Documents data and communicates findings to other care providers.  Assesses potential barriers to learning and adjusts educational styles accordingly.  Records all pertinent information of treatments and patient response per policy.

Checks oxygen equipment for proper function and cleanliness and adheres to equipment change schedules as outlined.  Ensures adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other