Respiratory Therapist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited Respiratory Care Program.
• Provide diploma and/or transcripts for validation.
• Hold the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Hold a State of Florida Department of Health Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• Hold the Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (NPS) credential from the NBRC, as appropriate for the site.
• Hold Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross.
• Hold Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications, as appropriate for the site.
• Demonstrate good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Have normal or corrected-to-normal hearing and vision.
• Be able to sit, stand, and walk for extensive periods.
• Be proficient in treating respiratory disorders in inpatients and outpatients using oxygen, therapeutic gases, inhaled medications, and positive pressure devices.
• Have interpretive skills and the ability to communicate or present information in written, auditory, or visual formats.
• Be able to perform moderate to heavy lifting and positioning of patients and moderate pushing and pulling of equipment.
• Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.
• Comply with the influenza prevention program, including annual vaccination or an approved exemption.
• Undergo controlled-substance testing following an offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Prior experience in critical care.
• Neonatal or pediatric experience.
• Prior experience performing invasive procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assess, treat, care for, and evaluate patients of all ages with respiratory insufficiencies.
• Perform cardiopulmonary assessments to evaluate respiratory status.
• Perform physical examinations to assess breath sounds, work of breathing, and airway patency.
• Review records, reports, and results, including radiologic tests, blood gases, hemodynamic monitoring, and pulmonary function tests.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care.
• Administer medical gases, including oxygen and nitric oxide, aerosolized medications, bronchial hygiene, and lung re-inflation techniques.
• Follow established protocols, procedures, and practices for therapeutic procedures.
• Perform blood gas sampling and arterial line insertion.
• Perform tracheostomy tube changes as directed.
• Manage invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilators and artificial airways.
• Perform blood gas puncture and analysis, pulse oximetry, and bedside pulmonary function testing.
• Assist with bronchoscopy procedures.
• Respond to medical emergencies, participate in trauma and resuscitation procedures, and assist with patient transport.
• Assess age-appropriate educational needs and educate patients and families about illnesses and care plans.
• Serve as a preceptor for new employees and students enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care program.
• Record care and treatment provided according to established procedures.