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Respiratory Therapist III
Career Insights for Respiratory Therapist
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Scorecard
Based on California data
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What they do
A Respiratory Therapist assists patients who have trouble breathing because of a chronic respiratory illness, trauma, or other conditions. Administers tests to diagnose breathing problems, performs treatments to help patients breathe easier, or sets up breathing equipment such as ventilators. Works closely with physicians and other healthcare workers, and may also assist in providing emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Works in hospitals; may also provide care and counseling to patients in their homes.
$85,508 / year median in California
+11% projected growth
Job Description
- St.
Every day you will assess patient respiratory function, administer therapeutic treatments such as oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, and mechanical ventilation, and educate patients and families on respiratory health. You will be expected to rapidly respond to emergencies, collaborate with physicians and nurses, perform diagnostic procedures, and ensure optimal respiratory outcomes for our diverse patient population.
To be successful in this role, you must possess advanced clinical competency in respiratory care, critical thinking skills for dynamic patient needs, and an unwavering commitment to patient safety and evidence-based practice. Demonstrates ability to assess/interpret age-specific data as it pertains to the treatments administered. Delivers age appropriate care with regards to:
- Fluid and electrolytes. Assesses fluid balance in relation to providing respiratory care
- Pain identification and recognizing need for pain control and intervention in order to provide treatments as ordered.
Psychosocial:
Recognized age appropriate behavior for pain, separation, change in environment in relation to providing respiratory care- Growth and development: Identifies age related developmental characteristics cardiac and respiratory systems as they relate to providing respiratory care
- Family/significant other involvement: Recognizes the patient's needs for family/significant other for involvement as they relate to providing respiratory care.
- Performs postural drainage and percussion as set by policy and procedure.
- Performs all bronchodilator therapy via
HHN, IPPB
as per policy and procedure. Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate artificial and spontaneous ventilation consistent with respiratory policies and procedures and physician orders. Evaluates and monitors patient response to therapy.- Documents obvious signs and symptoms that indicate actual or potential problems.
- Incorporates basic lab and radiological data into assessment.
- Recognizes immediate life
- threatening situations and seeks appropriate assistance.
- Records all therapies and results as required by patient care policies and procedures.