Certified Respiratory Therapist

The Certified Respiratory Therapist participates in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Responsible for the management of Life Support systems and responding to medical emergencies within the hospital. The CRT may perform all tasks included in their license practice act within department guidelines and policies. The position relies on education and entry-level training to complete responsibilities. The CRT must function with limited supervision, relying on their education and the guidance of the physician and supervisory staff.

Responsibilities

1. Compliance/Quality
   1. Observes and adheres to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, and follows all safety, quality assurance, and infection control standards.
   2. Efficiently records pertinent patient care data utilizing the computerized medical record or manual documentation in order to promote timely and efficient access to required information throughout the organization. Preserves the confidentiality of data and information identified as sensitive for the protection of patient dignity and privacy.
2. Patient Care Delivery
   1. Consults with physicians concerning respiratory care procedures, initiates bronchodilator therapy in situations of respiratory distress, attends Code Blue and MET calls, transports patients requiring respiratory assistance.
   2. Checks patient oxygen equipment, spot-checks respiratory care equipment, nebulizers, while ensuring proper equipment operation and the provision of high-quality health care services.
   3. Prepares, initiates, and monitors patient respiratory ventilator system, and ensures adequate ventilation levels during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and routine mechanical ventilation in an effort to ensure continuity and quality in the provision of patient care services.
3. Collaboration/Partnerships
   1. Administers and assesses respiratory therapy procedures (e.g., handheld nebulizers, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, , nasotracheal and tracheal suctioning), assesses therapy effectiveness, and prepares equipment and medications following physician's orders in a professional and considerate manner.
   2. Act as a professional- Assesses patient condition and compliance recommending appropriate therapy and having the ability to interact with my peers, nursing and medical staff in a professional manner. Ensuring the best patient outcomes while maintaining a positive work atmosphere.
4. Professional Development
   1. Draws from in-dwelling lines and obtains, analyzes, and interprets arterial samples in accordance with departmental policy and hospital standards. Assists in the education of respiratory employees on proper arterial puncture procedures in an effort to ensure that high quality respiratory procedures are conducted.
   2. Maintains competency in Arterial Line insertion, intubation and advanced ventilation to include but not limited to oscillation and nitric oxide. Complete competency assessment on peers and students. Teach at least one department in-service per year. Maintains BLS, ACLS and PALS.
   3. Work to improve and further the profession by serving on departmental/hospital committees, completing community service projects or by maintaining membership in professional organizations that reflect positively on the respiratory therapy profession or this organization.
5. Other Duties as Assigned
   1. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

Experience, Education, Training, Special Skills, and Licensure :

• Associates Degree or equivalent ( 10 Years experience as licensed therapist substituted for Associates Degree)
• Graduate of AMA approved program
• Successful completion of the National Certification exam administered by the NBRC.
• Current Louisiana State License or permit issued by LSBME and BLS certification ACLS within 1 year of hire