Cardiopulmonary Respiratory Therapist

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Recognize signs and symptoms of an emergency and readily identify how to best support patients/families. Focus on patient safety and quality when applying appropriate respiratory interventions.
• Reviews existing data, collects additional data, and recommends obtaining data to evaluate the respiratory status of patients.
• Develops, implements, and modifies respiratory care treatment plans based on assessment of the cardiorespiratory system, department policy and procedure, physician-approved respiratory care protocols, clinical pathways, referrals and written, verbal, or telecommunicated orders of a physician.
• Initiates and conducts prescribed therapeutic and diagnostic procedures such as: administering medical gases, humidification and aerosols, aerosol medications, postural drainage, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic monitoring, and other physiologic monitoring; collects specimens of blood and other diagnostic specimens.
• Manages mechanical ventilator support and other means of life support, maintains artificial and natural airways, initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures, performs invasive and non-invasive procedures following established standards.
• Documents necessary information in the patients medical record and on other forms and communicates the information to members of the health care team.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform complex procedures and the critical thinking skills required to serve critical patients.
• Obtains, assembles, calibrates, and checks necessary equipment. Uses problem solving to identify and correct malfunctions of respiratory care equipment.
• Demonstrates appropriate interpersonal skills to work productively with patients, families, providers, and co-workers. Serves patients with regard to age specific/cultural diversity needs.
• Participates in the orientation, mentorship and education of personnel and students. Provides formal and informal teaching/learning opportunities to assist personnel to achieve and maintain competence necessary for safe and effective practice.
• Accepts directives, maintains confidentiality, does not discriminate, upholds MH Code of Conduct, Standards of Performance, and ethical standards of the profession.
• Responsible for maintaining 100% of all hospital and departmental required and mandatory education, competencies, certifications, and licensure specific to areas they are assigned.
• Specific job duties may vary based on facility and healthcare setting.
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Certifications:

• Associates or higher in Health Sciences
• Certification - Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association (AHA)