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Certified Respiratory Therapist I (Full Time)
Career Insights for Respiratory Therapist
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Based on Kentucky 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.
$61,680 / year median in Kentucky
+13% projected growth
Job Description
Job Description :
Job Summary Responsible for administering respiratory therapy care to patients with cardio-pulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities. Performs comprehensive sleep testing and analysis as prescribed by a physician. Implements associated interventions to support patient respiratory and sleep health. Ensures accurate documentation and adherence to clinical protocols. Collaborates with healthcare team members to optimize patient outcomes. Essential Functions- Carries out routine and advanced respiratory therapies as ordered by the physician, including oxygen administration, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, ultrasonic therapy, sputum induction, mixed gases, invasive and non-invasive ventilation, and airway management.
- Collects, analyzes, and integrates patient information to assess condition, determine treatment requirements, and establish testing parameters in collaboration with the physician or clinical director.
- Prepares, calibrates, and maintains equipment for therapy and diagnostic procedures, ensuring proper functioning and accurate data collection.
- Applies electrodes and sensors, performs physiologic calibrations, and conducts sleep studies and other diagnostic tests following established protocols if assigned to Sleep Lab.
- Monitors and documents patient physiological responses to therapy and diagnostic procedures, including vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry, and notifies the physician of any adverse reactions.
- Determines the most suitable methods for administering inhalants and therapies, observes necessary precautions, and makes modifications as needed in accordance with physician orders.
- Documents all assessments, therapies, and care provided in the electronic medical record system.
- Prepares equipment and patients for bronchoscopy procedures, assists physicians as needed, processes equipment and specimens, and monitors patients during recovery.
- Implements appropriate interventions for patient safety and therapeutic needs, assists in emergency care, and maintains required qualifications.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- 50% of the time) B. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects over 50lbs: 2. Occasional ( 50% of the time) D. Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs: 3. Intermittent (10%
- 50% of the time) E. Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time) F. Risk of back injury from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials: 3. Intermittent (10%
- 50% of the time) G.
Repetitive motion:
3. Intermittent (10%- 50% of the time) H.
Working in confined spaces:
2. Occasional (< 10% of the time) J. Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job: 3. Intermittent (10%- 50% of the time) K.
Job-related travel:
2. Occasional (< 10% of the time) L.Loud noises:
2. Occasional (< 10% of the time) M.Temperature extremes:
2. Occasional (< 10% of the time) N. Hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste: 2. Occasional (< 10% of the time) O.Radiation:
1. Never P.Burns:
2. Occasional (< 10% of the time) Q.Cuts/Punctures:
2. Occasional (< 10% of the time) R.Bloodborne/airborne pathogens:
3. Intermittent (10%- 50% of the time) S.