Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) II

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

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Conducts basic and complex 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. Assists in the education of staff, students, patients and families. May function as a shift or unit lead.

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. 

3 years of respiratory experience is required.

Deemed competent in serving as a resource person, providing education and mentorship to others. 

Deemed competent in the performance or assistance of complex respiratory procedures which may include but is not limited to: Bronchoscopies, PFTs, metabolic stress tests, cardioversions.

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

Licensed as Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of practice is required.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is preferred.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is preferred.

At least one specialty credential through NBRC is required (Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS), Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS), Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS), Asthma Educator Specialist (AE-C), Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT)). Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) through the BRPT may also be accepted as an alternative specialty credential.

Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills.

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

Maintains a high degree of professionalism, commitment to quality and composure under pressure.

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.

Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback. 

Level of competence that exceeds skill necessary to perform basic respiratory functions.

In accordance with all applicable policy/guidelines: Conducts 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.

Perform or assist with specialty procedures which may include but is not limited to bronchoscopy, PFT’s, metabolic stress tests, cardioversions, and assist in education of respiratory staff, students, patients, and families. 

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.

Actively involved in specialty project-based work for the department and serves as a resource for staff and students. 

May function in the role of shift or unit lead to ensure the flow of the daily department or unit operations

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