Registered Respiratory Therapist
Ada, OK
Thrive Staffing
3x12 hrs, Days

Overview

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients with respiratory issues. They work across various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, home care, and rehabilitation centers, utilizing equipment such as ventilators and oxygen therapy to assist patients experiencing breathing difficulties.

Common Duties and Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment: Evaluate patients with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary issues through medical history reviews, physical exams, and diagnostic tests such as blood gases, chest X-rays, and pulmonary function tests.
• Respiratory Care: Administer treatments to enhance breathing, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, and inhalation therapy (e.g., nebulizer treatments).
• Equipment Management: Set up and monitor respiratory equipment like ventilators, oxygen tanks, and CPAP machines while ensuring their proper function and maintenance.
• Emergency Response: React to emergency situations such as respiratory failure and asthma attacks, providing immediate life-saving interventions.
• Patient Education: Inform patients and families about managing chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, and sleep apnea, including proper techniques for using respiratory devices and medications.
• Collaboration: Partner with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to devise and implement care plans for patients with respiratory conditions.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress, documenting any changes in respiratory conditions or treatment plans.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Assist patients in rehabilitation programs designed to improve respiratory function, increase exercise tolerance, and alleviate 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, typically obtained through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) by passing the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam.

Licensing Requirements by State

All states require respiratory therapists to be licensed or certified to practice, which includes passing the NBRC exams and meeting state-specific licensure requirements. The requirements may vary by state, including continuing education and renewal processes.

Work Environment

Respiratory Therapists are employed in various healthcare settings, including:

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