Respiratory Therapist I, Certified

UK St. Claire•Morehead, KY

About The Position

Responsible for administering respiratory therapy care to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities. Performs comprehensive sleep testing and analysis as prescribed by a physician and implements interventions that support respiratory and sleep health. Ensures accurate documentation and adherence to clinical protocols, and collaborates with healthcare team members to optimize patient outcomes. The role carries out routine and advanced respiratory therapies as ordered by a physician, assesses patient information and treatment needs, prepares and maintains therapy and diagnostic equipment, and monitors and documents patient responses. For positions assigned to the Sleep Lab, it also involves performing sleep studies and other diagnostic tests according to established protocols. The therapist may prepare patients and equipment for bronchoscopy, assist physicians, process equipment and specimens, and monitor patients during recovery. The position supports patient safety, emergency care, and required qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and vocational/technical training from an accredited Respiratory program.
0–2 years of experience in a healthcare, clinical setting, or a relevant area.
All experience must be paid and in the same related field; part-time and PRN experience is prorated based on hours worked per week. Volunteer work and internships for academic credit are not counted.
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).
Basic Life Support (BLS).
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), based on area assigned.

Responsibilities

Administer routine and advanced respiratory therapies as ordered, including oxygen administration, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, ultrasonic therapy, sputum induction, mixed gases, invasive and non-invasive ventilation, and airway management.
Collect, analyze, and integrate patient information to assess condition, determine treatment requirements, and establish testing parameters in collaboration with a physician or clinical director.
Prepare, calibrate, and maintain equipment for therapy and diagnostic procedures to ensure proper functioning and accurate data collection.
If assigned to the Sleep Lab, apply electrodes and sensors, perform physiologic calibrations, and conduct sleep studies and other diagnostic tests following established protocols.
Monitor and document patient physiological responses to therapy and diagnostic procedures, including vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry, and notify the physician of adverse reactions.
Determine suitable methods for administering inhalants and therapies, observe necessary precautions, and make modifications in accordance with physician orders.
Document assessments, therapies, and care provided in the electronic medical record system.
Prepare equipment and patients for bronchoscopy procedures, assist physicians as needed, process equipment and specimens, and monitor patients during recovery.
Implement interventions for patient safety and therapeutic needs, assist in emergency care, and maintain required qualifications.
Perform other duties as assigned.