Allied - 19416374

Tide Group • Harrisonville, MO

5d

About The Position

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a skilled healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and cares for patients experiencing respiratory issues. RTs work in diverse medical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care, and rehabilitation centers, and operate equipment such as ventilators and oxygen therapy devices to assist patients with breathing difficulties.

The role includes assessing patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary issues; providing respiratory treatments; setting up, monitoring, and maintaining respiratory equipment; responding to emergencies; educating patients and families; collaborating with other healthcare professionals; documenting care; and assisting with pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Respiratory Therapists need proficiency with respiratory equipment and technology, knowledge of respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, the ability to assess patients and respond to changes in their condition, compassionate communication skills, and critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

An associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program is required. Most states require certification through an NBRC exam, such as the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. All states require Respiratory Therapists to be licensed or certified to practice, with requirements varying by state and potentially including continuing education and renewal processes.

Requirements

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
• Most states require passing an NBRC certification exam, such as for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• All states require Respiratory Therapists to be licensed or certified to practice; requirements vary by state and may include continuing education and renewal processes.
• Proficiency in using respiratory equipment and technology.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology related to respiratory care.
• Ability to assess patient conditions and respond effectively to changes in respiratory status.
• Compassionate communication skills for educating patients and their families.
• Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary issues by reviewing medical history, conducting physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests, including blood gases and pulmonary function tests.
• Provide respiratory treatments such as oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, and inhalation therapy.
• Set up and monitor ventilators, CPAP machines, and other respiratory equipment, ensuring proper maintenance and functionality.
• Respond to emergencies such as respiratory failure or asthma attacks with immediate interventions.
• Educate patients and families about managing chronic respiratory conditions and using respiratory devices and medications.
• Collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans.
• Document patient assessments, treatments, progress, and changes in respiratory condition or treatment plans.
• Assist patients in pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve respiratory function and exercise tolerance and alleviate symptoms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree