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Certified Respiratory Therapist
Career Insights for Respiratory Therapist
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Scorecard
Based on Texas 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.
$60,686 / year median in Texas
+12% projected growth
Job Description
Supervises the
Following PositionsPositions:
N/APhysical RequirementsThe ability to perform the duties and responsibility of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities.The ability to consistently lift, push or pull loads of up to fifty (50) pounds.(Unless nursing 50)Sufficient strength, mobility and stamina to make frequent location and position changes, assist with patient care, and perform other physical activities of average difficulty.
Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations.
May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
May have to handle emergency situations.
May be subject to irregular hours.
May be required to wear protective equipment such as eye protection, face protection, masks, sterile/nonsterile gloves, isolation gowns.
May be exposed to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents.
Physical activities include continuous sitting, and occasional walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling and twisting.
Activity Conditions (Occasionally, Frequently, Continuously):
Sitting
- OccasionallyWalking
- FrequentlyStanding
- FrequentlyBending
- OccasionallySquatting-OccasionallyClimbing-OccasionallyKneeling-OccasionallyTwisting-OccasionallyVisual and Hearing RequirementsMust be able to see with corrective eye wear.
Works in various conditions.
Performance:
Essential FunctionsDecision Making:
Ability to make decisions and takes appropriate action based on the information they have.Recognizes own limitations and consults with the supervisor, manager, or team member when appropriate.
Time Management:
Works efficiently and manages duties to ensure that tasks are completed with accuracy and within the scheduled shift or reasonable amount of time.Quality & Quantity:
Demonstrates accurate, knowledge and skill to carry out job duties.Follows departmental work policies and procedures.
Speed and consistency of output and time utilization of job duties.
Computer Knowledge & Electronic Equipment Use:
Demonstrates ability to consistently utilize electronic equipment and online computer programs to perform job duties, including electronic documentation, and order entry.Resource Utilization:
Consistently utilizes and maintains supplies and equipment to minimize lost charges and unnecessary equipment repair-replacement.Confidentiality:
Adheres to established policies on privacy and security requirements for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as applicable by Shannon Policy.Performance:
Position Specific Essential FunctionsDemonstrates clinical competencies necessary to provide respiratory therapy to patients.Demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide respiratory care to the adult/geriatric population.
Demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care to neo-natal/pediatric patients.
Collects and evaluates pertinent clinical information by inspection, auscultation, and patient review.
Review's patient's medical record, history, blood gas values, and other laboratory data.
Reviews x-ray and radiology reports.
Discusses patient care with physicians and makes recommendations as indicated.
Explains and monitors patients response to therapy.
Performs respiratory therapy procedures as appropriate to patient's condition in a timely manner and in accordance with conventional practices and procedures.
Completes documentation for respiratory procedures.
Communicates pertinent patient information to appropriate members of the health care team.
Checks and inspects equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness.
Troubleshoots blood gas instrumentation and runs quality control as indicated.
Adjusts equipment as necessary or reports malfunctioning equipment as appropriate.
Participates in the clinical instruction of allied health students.
Performs other duties as assigned