Respiratory Therapist

Responsibilities Provides respiratory care for patients in adult, neonatal care, and/or outpatient CPAP centers . Employees may perform ECG, EEG, pulmonary function testing, & bronchoscopy and any other testing as deemed within the scope of practice by national standards.PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Assesses patient’s respiratory status by incorporating relevant clinical information including vital signs, chest X-rays, and ABG values.

• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and performs duties associated with airway management and tracheal suctioning.
• Performs arterial punctures and obtains arterial blood samples from arterial lines. Performs analysis of blood gases. May insert arterial lines after completion of competency.
• May attend high-risk deliveries as member of Neonatal Resuscitation Team with NRP certification after completion of NICU-specific competency.
• Performs noninvasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring.
• May perform pulmonary function testing and cardiopulmonary exercise testing after completion of competency.
• May perform endotracheal intubation after completion of competency.
• May assist physicians with bronchoscopies in critical care areas after completion of competency.
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Immediately reports any mechanical or electrical equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, or employee/patient/visitor injury accident to Manager.

Qualifications KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES, LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:

• Must be a graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy/care education program.
• Licensed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from Georgia Composite Medical Board.
• Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Must hold American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES/LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION PREFERRED: * Additional Life Support credential (PALS, NRP, etc.) or other clinical specialty certifications in specific units.

• Visual color acuity depending on the role in specific units.
• CPFT credential from NBRC if working in the PFT Lab.

Work Hours: 7p-7aWeekend Requirements:Yes- Rotating BasisOn-Call Requirements:No

Northside Hospital