Job: Respiratory Therapist

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.

Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.

Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.

Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.

Proper certification and registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Maintain Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials. Experience in a Long term care setting preferred.