Respiratory Therapist job description
A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a medical professional who provides care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They can range from a premature infant with undeveloped lungs to elderly who have diseased lungs due to illness.
Use this Respiratory Therapist job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates. Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs.
Respiratory Therapist responsibilities include:
- Monitoring patient physiological responses to therapy
- Working as part of a team of health care professionals to manage patient care
- Setting up and operating devices
Job brief
We are looking for a Respiratory Therapist to join our team of experienced medical professionals.
Respiratory Therapist responsibilities include operating therapeutic gas administration equipment and mechanical ventilators and providing emergency care such as external cardiac massage or artificial respiration during medical emergencies.
Respiratory Therapists help patients who have trouble breathing by providing general and emergency respiratory therapy. This entails assessing patients and performing diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the illness or injury that’s causing it.
Ultimately, you will treat patients in need with prescribed medications and supportive devices for respiratory diseases like asthma.
Responsibilities
- Meets patient’s goals and needs and provides quality care
- Conduct pulmonary function tests
- Assess and interpret evaluations and test results
- Determine respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians
- Help patient accomplish treatment plan
- Administer inhalants, operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators
- Directs treatments given by aides, technicians, and assistants
- Evaluate effects of the respiratory therapy treatment plan
- Complete discharge planning by consulting with medical staff members
Requirements and skills
- Proven work experience as a Respiratory Therapist or similar role
- Respiratory care, emergency care, and intensive care experience
- Must possess a valid and current driver’s license and auto insurance
- Strong knowledge of pulmonary function and pulmonary rehabilitation
- Experience with respiratory equipment
- Associate’s degree with major in Respiratory Therapy
Frequently asked questions
What does a Respiratory Therapist do?
Respiratory Therapists care for patients with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or emphysema. They work to improve their patient's lung function, and in some cases, provide ventilator support through artificial breathing machines if needed.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist?
A Respiratory Therapist's day-to-day work involves meeting and assessing new patients and administering treatment to existing ones. Respiratory Therapists work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics (including critical care units), physicians' offices--even at home for seriously ill people who need much more than just medical attention.
What makes a good Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory Therapists must have a strong sense of compassion to provide emotional support for patients undergoing treatment and attend to their health needs. They must also have good communication skills to share complex information with patients in a way they can easily understand. A good Respiratory Therapist must be a great problem solver to figure out complicated health issues in a fast-paced environment.
Who does a Respiratory Therapist work with?
Respiratory Therapists work directly with patients, and they work with other medical professionals like registered nurses to provide the best care necessary to their patients. Respiratory Therapists also work with a support staff throughout their shift, so they need to build good relationships with other employees.
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