Responsibilities

• Performs cardiopulmonary assessment to evaluate respiratory status.
• Performs physical exams to assess breath sounds, work of breathing, and airway patency.
• Reviews records, reports, and results such as radiologic tests, blood gases, hemodynamic monitoring, and pulmonary function tests.
• Collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care.
• Administers medical gases (oxygen, nitric oxide), aerosolized medications, bronchial hygiene, and lung re-inflation techniques.
• Follows established protocols, procedures, and practices for therapeutic procedures.
• Perform blood gas sampling and arterial line insertion.
• Performs tracheostomy tube changes as directed.
• Manage invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilators and artificial airways.
• Performs blood gas puncture and analysis, pulse oximetry, and bedside pulmonary function testing.
• Assist with bronchoscopy procedures.
• Responds to medical emergencies, participates in trauma and resuscitation procedures, and assists with patient transport.
• Assesses for age-appropriate educational needs and provides patient and family education about the illness and care plan.
• Serves as a preceptor for new employees and students enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care program.
• Records the care and treatment provided following established procedures.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy program
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Diploma and/or transcripts must be provided for validation

Certifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Ohio - Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)License from Ohio Medical Board
• Florida - State of Florida Department of Health License Registered Respiratory Therapist
• Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (NPS) credential from National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as appropriate for site
• Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association (AHA)
• As applicable by site: Advanced American Heart Association (AHA) Credentials: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS); Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).

Complexity

• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Provides care to all patient populations assessing for appropriate type and frequency of treatment and develops a plan of care based on diagnosis.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
• Ability to communicate effectively, build relationships and collaborate with others.

Work Experience

• Prior experience in critical care preferred.
• Neonatal/pediatric experience preferred when appropriate for site.
• Prior experience performing invasive procedures preferred when appropriate for site.

Physical Requirements

• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Normal hearing and vision or corrected to normal range.
• May require sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Physical Demand requirements are more than those for Light Work.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Follow standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.