Certified Respiratory Therapist

The Certified Respiratory Therapist under the guidance of the Supervisor, Department Director/Manager, and Medical Director utilizes knowledge and skill at the advanced level to provide direct age specific and culturally appropriate patient care through provision of adequate ventilation and oxygenation by use of medical gases and breathing equipment. Administers respiratory medications and performs invasive procedures, such as arterial blood sampling punctures, tracheostomy care and other procedures as outlined on the competency grid form.

Assists as a clinical resource and participates in patient and staff education. Minimum Requirements Education Associate Degree Graduate of specialized training in an approved Respiratory Therapy 2 year program Meets minimum requirements to qualify to take and pass the NBRC RRT examinations Experience Successful completion of new hire orientation within probationary period Complete annual Respiratory Care and Hospital required competency assessment Licenses/Certifications/Registrations Must be Certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care with CRT credential Must have current South Carolina Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) License Must have and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification Current certification in ACLS and PALS preferred Must opt into the National Board of Respiratory Care's searchable registry for the duration of employment with SRHS Preferred Requirements Preferred Education Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy Preferred Experience 1-2 years of critical care experience including performing emergency an elective airway procedures Preferred Licenses/Certifications/Registrations Current certifications in BLS Core

Performs detailed age specific assessment including heart rate, breath sounds, respiratory rate, and sputum characteristics, and notifies the physician as appropriate any identified abnormalities. Checks EMR to verify physician orders for new/current and/or changes in orders on all assigned patients by reviewing medication list throughout the shift. Recommends therapy modifications to ensure appropriateness of care using medical director approved oxygen and aerosol protocols.

Initiates CPAP and BiPAP and performs ECGs per physician order. Performs arterial sampling draws and moderate complexity lab testing to include blood gases, Hemoglobin, and basic electrolytes per policy and procedure. Also responsible for verifying panic values by policy.

Performs moderate complexity testing to include blood hemoglobin and electrolytes Documents all assessments and procedures in EMR Works collaboratively with other disciplines to ensure appropriate plan of care is identified and implemented. Other Duties as assigned.