Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist
Harrisonville, MO
Thrive Staffing
3x12 hrs, Days

Overview

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional trained in diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients with respiratory issues. They work in various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, home care, and rehabilitation centers. Respiratory Therapists are skilled in using equipment such as ventilators, oxygen therapy devices, and other tools to assist patients with breathing difficulties.

Common Duties and Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment: Evaluate patients experiencing breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary issues by reviewing their medical history, conducting physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests.
• Respiratory Care: Administer treatments to enhance breathing, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, and inhalation therapy.
• Equipment Management: Set up and monitor respiratory equipment such as ventilators, oxygen tanks, and CPAP machines, ensuring proper function and maintenance.
• Emergency Response: Respond to emergency situations involving respiratory failure, asthma attacks, or trauma, providing immediate life-saving interventions.
• Patient Education: Educate patients and families on managing chronic respiratory conditions, including COPD, asthma, and sleep apnea, as well as proper technique for using respiratory devices and medications.
• Collaboration: Work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans for those with respiratory conditions.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress while documenting any changes in the patient's respiratory condition or treatment plan.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Assist patients in pulmonary rehabilitation programs designed to improve respiratory function, increase exercise tolerance, and reduce symptoms.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in using 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, particularly in emergency situations.

Education and Certification

• Education: An associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
• Certification: Most states require Respiratory Therapists to be certified through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) by passing the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

Licensing Requirements

All states require Respiratory Therapists to be licensed or certified to practice, which involves passing the NBRC exams and meeting state-specific licensure requirements. Specific regulatory requirements can vary by state:

• California: Certification by the California State Respiratory Care Board is required.
• Texas: Requires a license from the Texas Medical Board after obtaining NBRC certification.
• New York: Requires a license from the New York State Department of Health.
• Florida: Requires licensure through the Florida Department of Health along with continuing education.
• Nevada: Requires licensing through the Nevada State Board of Respiratory Care.

Work Environment

Respiratory Therapists typically work in various healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals (ICU, emergency rooms, NICUs, etc.)
• Outpatient Clinics
• Home Care Agencies
• Long-Term Care Facilities
• Rehabilitation Centers