Registered Respiratory Therapist II

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist II provides clinical care to critically ill or injured neonates, infants, and children, including during medical transport. Working under medical control supervision and in consultation with attending physicians, the therapist assesses patients, develops and implements care according to the medical plan, and coordinates with multidisciplinary teams at sending and receiving facilities. The role supports safe transport operations and delivers emergency respiratory care using current techniques and specialized equipment. The position includes advanced neonatal and pediatric care, such as intubation, ventilation, umbilical arterial and venous catheter insertion, and chest needle aspiration. The therapist helps maintain professional standards, required certifications, and continuing education; supports and supervises staff; contributes to outreach education and pediatric transport quality data; and advocates for patients and families. Transport work may take place under high-tension or adverse conditions, including around aircraft and ambulances.

Requirements

A licensed respiratory therapist license.
At least 5 years of pediatric critical care experience in NICU, PICU, PCICU, or a similar relevant field.
Maintain current BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications.
Complete an advanced trauma course, such as PATC or TNCC, within 1 year of orientation.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and overtime as required.
Ability to work under stress and in transport conditions that may be adverse, including around aircraft and ambulances.
Ability to stand, sit, and walk continuously; work in elevated areas and confined spaces; and perform the listed physical tasks.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds unassisted infrequently, lift 25 pounds from waist height overhead infrequently, and exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
Ability to maintain the listed corrected vision, hearing, peripheral vision, depth perception, color discrimination, tactile function, and motor abilities.

Responsibilities

Assess patients' respiratory conditions through examinations and diagnostic tests, and develop individualized treatment plans based on assessments and physician directives.
Administer respiratory therapies, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and mechanical ventilation.
Monitor and adjust ventilator settings and other respiratory support devices.
Perform pulmonary function tests when clinically appropriate, conduct arterial blood gas analysis, and use diagnostic equipment to identify and monitor respiratory disorders.
Provide respiratory support in emergencies, including CPR and advanced airway management.
Participate in intensive care and transport of critically ill patients, maintaining respiratory function and stability during transfers, including high-frequency ventilation and nitric administration when indicated.
Promote, plan, direct, and implement medical management and safe transportation for critically ill or injured neonates, infants, and children in consultation with the attending physician.
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care in accordance with medical plans, practice and care standards, and applicable policies and procedures.
Collaborate with transport team members and healthcare professionals to ensure quality care and safe transport operations.
Organize, prioritize, direct, supervise, and evaluate care delivered by staff at different levels, in hospital and during transport.
Provide outreach education and training to nursing staff and other healthcare professionals on respiratory care practices and procedures.
Maintain pediatric transport quality data and keep required certifications, licenses, and continuing education current.
Act as a patient advocate, protect patient rights, and provide psychosocial support to patients and families.
Communicate and coordinate with patients, families, physicians, nurses, EMS and aviation personnel, administrators, the public, and community agencies.
Follow MUHA policies and applicable regulations, adhere to infection-control protocols, and maintain and calibrate respiratory equipment.