A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They play a critical role in managing life support systems, administering respiratory medications, and conducting diagnostic tests to ensure optimal patient oxygenation and ventilation, directly contributing to reduced hospital readmissions and improved patient outcomes.
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What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A Respiratory Therapist is a licensed medical professional specializing in cardiopulmonary care. They work with patients of all ages—from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Respiratory Therapists are experts in airway management, mechanical ventilation, and oxygen therapy, often serving as key members of critical care, emergency, and rehabilitation teams. Their expertise bridges clinical practice and technology, ensuring patients receive advanced respiratory interventions tailored to their specific physiological needs.
What does a Respiratory Therapist do?
Respiratory Therapists perform diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and oxygen levels. They manage mechanical ventilators for critically ill patients, administer aerosolized medications, and provide emergency care for heart attack, stroke, or drowning victims. Additionally, they educate patients with chronic conditions like asthma or COPD on proper inhaler techniques and breathing exercises. In hospitals, they collaborate with physicians to develop treatment plans and often oversee extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems for patients with severe cardiac/respiratory failure.
Job Overview
A Respiratory Therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in pulmonary care and respiratory system management. They assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders or cardiopulmonary issues across various clinical settings including hospitals, emergency departments, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics. This role requires critical thinking, technical expertise, and compassionate patient care to optimize respiratory function and improve patient outcomes.
Respiratory Therapist responsibilities include:
1. Perform diagnostic tests including pulmonary function tests, blood gas analysis, and sleep studies
2. Administer medical gases, aerosolized medications, and chest physiotherapy
3. Manage mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation, and airway care for critical patients
4. Provide emergency respiratory care including intubation assistance and code blue response
5. Develop and implement respiratory care plans based on patient assessment and physician orders
6. Educate patients and families on respiratory equipment, disease management, and smoking cessation
7. Maintain accurate electronic medical records and document treatment responses
8. Operate and maintain respiratory equipment including ventilators, BiPAP/CPAP devices, and oxygen delivery systems
9. Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient care
10. Follow infection control protocols and maintain sterile techniques during procedures
1. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from COARC-accredited program
2. Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from NBRC
3. State licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner
4. BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications from American Heart Association
5. 2+ years of clinical experience in acute care setting
6. Proficiency in mechanical ventilation management and arterial blood gas interpretation
7. Knowledge of pulmonary anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
8. Strong assessment skills and critical thinking abilities
9. Excellent communication and patient education skills
10. Ability to work 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
Preferred Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy or related field
2. 3+ years of ICU or critical care experience
3. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
4. Experience with transport medicine or flight respiratory therapy
5. Proficiency in advanced modalities such as ECMO or helium-oxygen therapy
6. Previous experience in pulmonary rehabilitation or sleep medicine
7. Certification in specialty areas (ACCS, NPS, or SDS)
8. Electronic medical records system proficiency (Epic, Cerner)
9. Bilingual skills in Spanish or other commonly spoken languages
10. Previous preceptor or charge therapist experience
Bonus Skills
1. Master's degree in Respiratory Therapy or Healthcare Administration
2. 5+ years of tertiary care center experience
3. Published research in respiratory care journals
4. Certification as Asthma Educator or COPD Educator
5. Experience with pulmonary function testing accreditation
6. Proficiency in bronchoscopy assistance and advanced airway management
7. Knowledge of respiratory equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
8. Experience with telehealth respiratory services
9. Quality improvement or committee leadership experience
10. Membership in professional organizations (AARC, state society)
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