Respiratory Therapy Technician

Appalachian Regional Healthcare•Whitesburg, KY

About The Position

Provide respiratory care services that are covered under the employee's limited license to practice respiratory care. This role requires successful completion of formal respiratory therapy courses, certification from the National Board of Respiratory Care, and a valid Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care license. Responsibilities include equipment maintenance, safe transport of gas cylinders, administration of various oxygen therapies and treatments, patient instruction, and performing diagnostic tests such as blood gas analysis and pulmonary function testing. The technician will also be involved in ventilator application and maintenance, arterial punctures, hemodynamic line draws, and manual ventilation during CPR and transport. A key aspect of the role involves the safe and effective administration of prescribed medications, understanding their indications and contraindications, and adhering to policies for therapeutic modalities. The technician will set up and monitor oxygen delivery systems, perform bedside and laboratory pulmonary function tests, and serve as a member of the Code Team, performing CPR as needed. Daily and weekly maintenance, calibration, and quality control of ABG and co-oximeter analyzers are also required. Familiarity with oxygen delivery systems and respiratory measurement devices is essential. The role includes assisting with mechanical ventilators in collaboration with a Respiratory Therapist and demonstrating knowledge of CPAP and BiPAP setup. Accurate record-keeping, documentation, and clear communication during shift-to-shift handoffs are critical. The technician will participate in staff meetings, attend required safety training, and follow hospital exposure control plans. A professional and courteous environment is maintained by demonstrating respect for all individuals and promoting effective interdepartmental and intradepartmental working relationships. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Associate's Degree in Respiratory Care required.
Working knowledge of problem solving and decision making skills.
Working knowledge of digital literacy skills.
Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care credential required.
National Board of Respiratory Care credential required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required for Cardiac and Rehabilitation staff.

Responsibilities

Performs equipment storage, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance.
Transports gas cylinders safely and appropriately.
Administers oxygen therapy.
Administers hand-held nebulizer treatments.
Instructs patients in the use of incentive spirometers.
Instructs patients in the use of metered dose inhalers (MDIs).
Performs sputum inductions.
Performs subsequent applications of CPAP and BiPAP.
Performs blood gas analysis.
Performs pulmonary function testing.
Performs ventilator application and maintenance under direct observation of a preceptor.
Performs ventilator application and maintenance independently following demonstrated competency.
Performs arterial punctures.
Obtains hemodynamic line draws.
Performs manual ventilation during CPR and patient transport.
Performs nasotracheal suctioning.
Responsible for the safe and effective administration of medically prescribed medications, understanding their indications and contraindications.
Knows and follows indications, contraindications, policies, and procedures related to administering therapeutic modalities including IPPB, IS, USN, HHN, and MDI therapies.
Sets up and monitors oxygen administration.
Sets up oxygen cylinders and ensures proper usage and safety measures are maintained.
Performs bedside pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
May perform pulmonary function testing in the PFT laboratory following appropriate training and orientation.
Serves as a member of the Code Team and responds to cardiac and respiratory arrest situations.
Performs CPR compressions as required and maintains annual CPR certification.
Performs daily and weekly preventive maintenance, calibration, and quality control testing of ABG and co-oximeter analyzers.
Demonstrates familiarity with oxygen delivery systems, including nasal cannulas and Venturi masks.
Demonstrates familiarity with respiratory measurement devices including pulse oximeters, Wright respirometers, and oxygen blenders.
Assists with setup, safety checks, monitoring, and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators in collaboration with a Respiratory Therapist.
Demonstrates knowledge of CPAP and BiPAP setup and administration.
Maintains accurate and legible records and documents clinical notes in patient charts.
Reports patient progress and prioritizes patient condition during shift-to-shift handoff.
Maintains proper documentation within departmental records.
Participates in staff meetings, lectures, conferences, and seminars.
Attends all required safety training programs and demonstrates knowledge of responsibilities related to general safety, department safety, and specific job-related hazards.
Follows hospital exposure control plans for bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
Promotes effective working relationships and works effectively as part of a department/unit team interdepartmentally and intradepartmentally to facilitate departmental goals and objectives.
Performs other duties as assigned.