Under the supervision of a licensed physician, the Respiratory Therapy Therapist will evaluate patients by performing limited physical examinations, and conducting diagnostic tests including those that measure lung capacity and acidity and alkalinity of the blood to treat diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Explains test procedures to patients and performs pulmonary function tests, lung capacity tests, and arterial blood analyses.

• Maintains efficient function of blood gas equipment.

• Assists in maintaining an appropriate inventory of all necessary therapeutic and blood gas equipment supplies.

• Records and interprets results.

• Performs fit tests.

• Assists with Sleep Study Lab.

• Performs nebulizer treatments and instructs patients in use of bedside incentive spirometer treatments.

• Sets up, maintains, and monitors BiPAP, CPAP and Ventilators.

• Responds to all codes as a member of the CPR team, assists with intubation, and administers oxygen.

• Teaches patients to perform breathing exercises.

• Administers aerosolized cardiopulmonary drugs including bronchodilators, mucolytics, and antibiotics.

• Cleans, and maintains equipment such as ventilators, flow meters, nebulizers, and croup tents.

• Follows all safety rules applying to gas cylinders, ventilators, and all electrical equipment.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Adheres to facility’s Standards of Excellence and dress code.

• Performs chest physiotherapy   and suctioning in order to loosen and mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system.

• Sets up, maintains, and monitors BiPAP, CPAP and Ventilators when patient’s respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation.  Understands proper assembly and cleaning of the equipment.

• Teach patients how to use medication and equipment.

• Handing and changing of medical gas cylinders: must be able to identify various types of medical gases and the proper administration of these gases

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Adheres to the facility’s Standards of Excellence.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Associates degree or Successful completion of an approved respiratory therapy education program required.

• Must be Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board of Respiratory Care within 18 months of employment.

• Maintain required Credentials by the National Board of Respiratory Care.

• Licensed by the State of Missouri.

• Current BLS

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.