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

Overview

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional trained to diagnose, treat, and care for patients with respiratory issues. They operate in various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, home care, and rehabilitation centers, utilizing equipment such as ventilators and oxygen therapy to assist patients who experience breathing difficulties.

Common Duties and Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment: Evaluate patients with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary issues by reviewing their medical history, conducting physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests.
• Respiratory Care: Administer treatments to improve breathing, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, and inhalation therapy.
• Equipment Management: Set up and monitor equipment like ventilators, oxygen tanks, and other respiratory devices, ensuring their proper function and maintenance.
• Emergency Response: Respond to emergency situations such as respiratory failure or asthma attacks with immediate life-saving interventions.
• Patient Education: Educate patients and families on managing chronic respiratory conditions, teaching the correct techniques for using respiratory devices and medications.
• Collaboration: Work with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors and nurses, to develop and implement care plans for patients with respiratory conditions.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress, documenting any changes in the patient’s respiratory condition or treatment plan.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Assist patients in pulmonary rehabilitation programs aimed at improving respiratory function and increasing exercise tolerance.

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 to educate 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 is required.

Certification: Most states require respiratory therapists to be certified, typically by passing an exam offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), such as the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

Licensing Requirements by State

Licensure Required: All states require respiratory therapists to be licensed or certified to practice, often involving passing the NBRC exams and meeting state-specific licensure requirements.

• California: Certification by the California State Respiratory Care Board is needed.
• Texas: Requires a license from the Texas Medical Board after certification by the NBRC.
• New York: Licensure from the New York State Department of Health is necessary.
• Florida: Requires licensure through the Florida Department of Health, including continuing education.
• Nevada: Licensing is required through the Nevada State Board of Respiratory Care.

Work Environment

Respiratory Therapists may work in various healthcare environments, including:

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