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.
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at Serenity Oaks IRF provides respiratory assessment, treatment, and monitoring services for rehabilitation inpatients with pulmonary and respiratory conditions as ordered by the attending physician. This clinician delivers evidence-based respiratory care including bronchodilator therapy, airway management, ventilator weaning support, and patient education in a team-based rehabilitation environment. The RRT collaborates with nursing, the IDT, and physicians to support respiratory function and maximize each patient's participation in the intensive rehabilitation program. 2.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Assess patients' respiratory status including auscultation, SpO2, ABG interpretation, and pulmonary function as ordered. Administer prescribed respiratory treatments including bronchodilator therapy, nebulized medications, and chest physiotherapy. Manage mechanical ventilators, tracheostomies, and artificial airways per physician orders and established protocols. Assist with ventilator weaning protocols and coordinate with nursing and physicians on respiratory progress. Provide oxygen therapy management; titrate O2 delivery systems and monitor patient response. Collaborate with the SLP on management of patients with tracheostomies and swallowing concerns. Provide patient and family education on respiratory conditions, inhaler use, home oxygen, and airway management. Document all respiratory assessments, treatments, and outcomes accurately in the EHR. Respond promptly to respiratory emergencies and participate in code response as trained. Participate in IDT meetings when respiratory concerns affect rehabilitation participation or discharge planning. Maintain and perform quality control checks on respiratory therapy equipment. Participate in CARF program evaluation and respiratory care quality improvement activities. 3.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Required:
Associate degree or higher in Respiratory Care from a CoARC-accredited program.
Required:
Successful completion of NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) examination and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) — achieving RRT credential.
Preferred:
One (1) or more years of RRT experience in an acute care, ICU, or inpatient rehabilitation setting. 4.
Current, unrestricted Respiratory Therapist license issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) — Respiratory Care division.
Required:
Current RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Required:
Current BLS/CPR certification (AHA or Red Cross).
Required:
ACLS certification preferred or required per facility medical staff policy.
Required:
Louisiana RT license verified through LSBME prior to and throughout employment. 5.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Expert knowledge of respiratory assessment, mechanical ventilation, and airway management. Proficiency in bronchodilator therapy, chest PT, and oxygen therapy management. Knowledge of COPD, pneumonia, and respiratory complications common in IRF patient populations. Ability to respond to respiratory emergencies and participate in code response. Effective communication and collaboration with nursing, IDT, and physicians. Proficiency with EHR respiratory therapy documentation. Knowledge of ventilator weaning protocols and respiratory rehabilitation. Commitment to patient safety and evidence-based respiratory care.
License/Certification:
RRT credential from the NBRC (Required) Respiratory Therapist license in Louisiana (Required)
