Respiratory Therapist

GENERAL SUMMARY Work involves performing technical work in the Rehabilitation department including operating respiratory care treatment equipment, and applying inhalation therapy procedures in the care and treatment of patients. All work is performed within established protocols, practices and procedures and is reviewed through observation, conferences, and reports for results achieved. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Performs pulmonary function testing (including spirometry, DLCO, and lung volumes), according to ATS standards. Calibrates, cleans, maintains, and troubleshoots PFT machine according to manufacturer guidelines. Performs ABG sample collection. Performs initial assessments, patient interviews, diagnostic tests or examinations to develop plans of care including documenting notes/information about the patient (charting) and handling emergent situations that may occur. Trains and educates patients and families including demonstrating proper maintenance of equipment, demonstrating proper techniques or practices of equipment use, and/or providing appropriate therapy equipment for home use. Provides cardio-pulmonary/respiratory therapy care and treatment to patients having trouble breathing or with cardiopulmonary issues. Collaborates with other healthcare professionals in an effort to diagnose, treat, and/or follow-up with therapy patients. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Required: Position requires an Associate Degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), or its predecessor the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education (JRCRTE), or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Preferred: Two years of respiratory therapy experience is preferred LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND/OR REGISTRATION: Required: CRT or RRT registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Licensed by the Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy. CPR certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of employment