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Respiratory Therapist II
Career Insights for Respiratory Therapist
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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
Every day you will apply your keen assessment skills and critical thinking to manage diverse patient needs, develop and execute effective care plans, and ensure calm, focused intervention in both routine and emergent situations.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate a strong sense of urgency, unwavering calm under pressure, and the ability to anticipate outcomes. Your dedication to patient well-being and exceptional problem-solving abilities will drive success in this vital role. Initiates and monitors mechanical ventilation to assure the patient is being ventilated adequately and according to protocol or the physician's written or verbal orders. Draws blood from arterial lines following appropriate infection control technique. Extubates patients as per Cardiac and ICU protocol or the physician's written or verbal orders. Organizes and gives a comprehensive patient report to the incoming shift. Approaches the physician to clarify prescribed therapy and recommends modification when indicated. Assesses and monitors the use of oxygen by performing pulse oximetry to verify medical need for oxygen. Recommends changes in therapy. Job Requirements Required Associates Of Science (Successful completion of accredited school of respiratory therapy and associated clinical rotations and 1 year of experience as a respiratory therapist)