Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary:
The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) shall provide all aspects of respiratory care under the guidance of a qualified physician and the Director of Respiratory Therapy.

Qualifications:
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Associates Respiratory Therapy

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in Illinois, and Certified Respiratory Therapist and Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days, ACLS, PALS, NRP within 1 year.

Essential Functions:

• Is able to effectively administer oxygen mixtures utilizing various oxygen delivery devices. Can set up, initiate and maintain ventilators and CPAP devices.
• Is familiar with the principles of airway maintenance, endotracheal and tracheostomy care. Follows the procedures and observations for care during and after extubation.                          
• Initiates and maintains cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other related life support procedures.      
• Confers with physicians regarding all aspects of Respiratory Therapy concerning patient care.
• Administers specific dosages of all Respiratory Therapy related medications as specified by a physician. Recognizes, interprets, and records signs and symptoms of medication side effects, particularly those that require notification of a physician.                          
• Effectively and safely uses equipment for delivering positive pressure, humidification, nebulization, and medications to patients.                                
• Effectively utilizes methods that assist in the removal of secretions from the bronchial tree such as,    hydration, breathing and coughing exercise, postural drainage, chest percussion and airway suctioning.
• Performs 12 lead EKG’s and prepares them for physician interpretation.        
• Is able to dismantle and reassemble most of the Respiratory Therapy equipment.  Is able to take all necessary precautions to insure the safe handling of all respiratory equipment.
• Works well with each age level of patient. Is sensitive to the age specific needs of each individual patient and alters the clinical approach accordingly.                                                                     
• Is able to occasionally oversee the work of Non-Certified Technicians who are performing those procedures requiring a high level of expertise.                                                                 
• Participates in the department’s continuing education programs.                     
• Actively participates in Performance Improvement Processes.
• Interprets and carries out physician orders accurately and in a timely manner.           
• Able to allay anxieties of patient/families regarding respiratory/cardiac procedures.
• Works with other departments to insure appropriate and efficient service to patients.
• Performs all aspects of pulmonary function testing, if trained.  Effectively uses all department pulmonary function equipment.
• Is capable of working independently and can supervise the needs of the

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