Certified Respiratory Therapist Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

[Your Company Name] is searching for an experienced respiratory therapist. The registered respiratory therapist has advanced knowledge and training of the cardiopulmonary system that is used to manage and treat patients. Therapists will use different scientific principles, therapies, and techniques to optimize patient care and outcomes. As an ideal candidate, you have extensive knowledge of the pulmonary function and pulmonary rehabilitation, and proven experience working with patients and respiratory equipment.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Monitor patient physiological responses to therapy, such as arterial blood gases, vital signs or blood chemistry, and lung function changes, and consulting with physicians when adverse reactions are discovered
• Utilize pulmonary devices, such as therapeutic gas administration apparatuses, mechanical ventilators, environmental control systems, aerosol generators, etc.
• Administer treatment under specified parameters
• Provide emergency care, including external cardiac massage, artificial respiration, and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it functions safely and efficiently
• Maintain patient charts containing identification and therapy information
• Assess patient condition by measuring arterial blood gases, reading prescriptions, lung capacity, and reviewing other information 
• Send blood analysis results to a physician
• Order equipment repairs when necessary
• Treat a wide range of patients from infants through the elderly
• Consult with physicians and other healthcare staff to help develop and modify patient care strategies
• Teach patients how to use medications and equipment

Education and experience

• Associate degree in respiratory therapy
• Bachelor’s degree preferred 
• Valid state license in respiratory therapy 
• Many employers require a specialty certification through the NBRC
• Six months experience in respiratory therapy

Required skills and qualifications

• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills 
• Patience 
• Attention to detail
• Comforting bedside manner
• Compassion
• Quick decision-making ability
• Working knowledge of respiratory equipment and medical supplies

Preferred qualifications

• Strong leadership skills and a professional attitude
• Experience caring for patients
• Comfortable working independently

The night shift Respiratory Care Therapist assesses, treats, and cares for patients with pulmonary disorders. The Respiratory Care Therapist is responsible for the clinical administration of all therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory care modalities offered by the department.

Duties

• Operates and sets up devices such as: mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration, aerosol generators, and disposable respiratory care products
• Provides emergency care, including: artificial ventilation, external cardiac massage, and assists staff with cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Collects and analyzes arterial blood gases and is able to recognize normal, abnormal, and critical values. If critical values are recognized, the Respiratory Care Therapist is able to provide appropriate corrective intervention
• Follows physician orders for treatment and evaluates requirements for treatment, such as: treatment type, mode and duration of therapy, universal precautions, and medication dosage
• Monitors patients response to therapy by evaluation of vital signs, arterial blood gases, auscultation of breath sounds, pulse oximetry and end-tidal CO2 measurement
• Consults with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals for changes in patient’s status. The Respiratory Care therapist works as part of a team to manage the patients plan of care

Education and experience required

• Graduate of a Respiratory Therapy Program (Required)

Licensure and certification

• Respiratory Care Therapist license with the Texas Medical Board. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) upon hire and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications required within 90 days of employment

The Certified Respiratory Therapist competently performs clinical patient assessment related to job title. Delivers therapy to patient’s including breathing treatments, EKGs, and arterial blood gases. Manages oxygen therapy, performs adult and infant intubations, and manages mechanical ventilators per protocol or by following physician specific orders. Assesses patients ordered for respiratory protocol to determine proper type and frequency of respiratory treatment. Adequately completes patient documentation in computer charting system; including documentation in interdisciplinary education and plan of care.

The value you’ll bring to the team

• Draws, labels, results, and reports blood gases and critical values according to policy
• Interdisciplinary education and plan of care is documented on initial treatment and as needed thereafter
• Is a team player and makes decisions and takes actions that consider the needs of the department and co-workers
• Is able to calibrate and perform bedside pulmonary function tests
• Is able to set up, monitor, and make changes on all ventilators, invasive and non-invasive, including documentation of all changes in i-view
• Able to complete therapy driven protocols appropriately. Patients are placed on appropriate therapy according to their condition and diagnosis
• Oxygen rounds and breathing treatments are performed timely, including documentation

Qualifications

• Must take RRT Exam and pass within 6 months of hire date
• Has worked in an acute care (hospital) setting within the last year
• Perform respiratory therapy treatments and procedures competently according to physician’s orders, department policy, respiratory protocol, and recognized standards of care
• Able and is willing to rotate throughout all patient care areas
• Attended respiratory therapy program prior to obtaining license
• Basic computer knowledge including, word and excel, and computerized medical record documentation
• Mechanical and non-invasive ventilation knowledge
• Minimum one year Critical care experience
• CRT Florida State License
• Maintains continuing education to meet regulatory requirements for licensure
• BLS, ACLS certified on hire

Position key accountabilities

• Takes and follows verbal treatment orders from physicians in administering drugs and medications to the cardiopulmonary system of patients. Evaluates treatment program, results and takes appropriate action
• Performs some or all the following: patient assessment, interpret arterial blood gases, pulmonary function testing
• Communicates effectively with professional colleagues. Manages time effectively. Documents appropriately in the medical records and completes other documentation duties accurately and efficiently according to policies and procedures
• Remain current in respiratory care through continuing education, participation in in-service training, and review of journals. Conducts inter and intradepartmental respiratory care in-services at least once a year to patients, staff, or to the community
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; Performs procedures, Adhere to standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization
• Other duties as assigned

Certification and skills

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) required
• Current and unrestricted Respiratory Care Practitioner License with the State of Texas required
• BCLS and 1 of the following: ACLS, PALS, NRP, CPFT, RPFT, RPSGT, Asthma Certified Educator, NRP Instructor, ACLS Instructor, PALS Instructor or CPR Instructor

Minimum education

Associate’s degree