Allied - 19346038

Tide Group • Purcell, OK

18d

About The Position

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and cares for patients with respiratory issues. Respiratory Therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, home care, and rehabilitation centers. They use equipment such as ventilators, oxygen therapy systems, and other devices to assist patients experiencing breathing difficulties.

The role includes assessing patients with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary issues, administering respiratory treatments, managing respiratory equipment, responding to emergencies, educating patients and families, collaborating with healthcare professionals, documenting care, and assisting with pulmonary rehabilitation.

Respiratory Therapists are generally required to hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. Certification and licensure requirements vary by state. Most states require respiratory therapists to be certified, typically by passing an NBRC examination for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. All states require respiratory therapists to be licensed or certified to practice, with state-specific requirements.

Requirements

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
• Most states require certification, typically through an NBRC examination for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• All states require respiratory therapists to be licensed or certified to practice, subject to state-specific requirements.
• Proficiency in 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 families.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary issues by reviewing medical histories, conducting physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests such as blood gases, chest X-rays, and pulmonary function tests.
• Administer treatments to improve breathing, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, and inhalation therapies such as nebulizer treatments.
• Set up, monitor, and help maintain respiratory equipment, including ventilators, oxygen tanks, and CPAP machines.
• Respond to emergencies, including respiratory failure and asthma attacks, and provide immediate life-saving interventions.
• Educate patients and families about managing chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma, and sleep apnea, and teach proper use of respiratory devices and medications.
• Collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans for patients with respiratory conditions.
• Maintain accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress, and document changes in respiratory condition or treatment plans.
• Assist patients in pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve respiratory function, increase exercise tolerance, and reduce symptoms.

What This Job Offers

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