Respiratory Therapist - Cardiopulmonary Rehab

Respiratory Therapist - Cardiopulmonary Rehab

Perform diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures as defined in the Respiratory Care Services scope of clinical practice. Work performed in accordance with physician orders. Defined duties are performed in neonatal and pediatric patient populations.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Makes recommendations regarding home respiratory equipment including oxygen.
• Educates patients on breathing devices.
• Administers and titrates oxygen.
• Monitors vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation during exercise sessions.
• Assures correct set-up, safety and function of equipment and supplies necessary in the provision of patient care.
• Performs routine cleaning and maintenance of respiratory equipment.
• Understands pharmacological indications, dosages and response to adverse drug reactions.
• Administers respiratory medications as needed.
• Makes patient care assessments according to accepted protocols.
• Provides education to patients, families, and members of the health care team.
• Documents in the patient medical record.

Required qualifications at this level:

Education

RCP

• Completion of AMA 2 approved year Associates Degree, or the equivalent program.

RCP Advanced

• Completion of a 2 year AMA approved respiratory care program (Associates Degree or the equivalent).
• Must maintain annual skill maintenance requirements Must maintain annual safety/compliance requirements.
• Must maintain North Carolina annual license requirements for CEUs.

Experience

RCP

• None required.

RCP Advanced

• Six months to one year of clinical experience following graduation from a respiratory care program.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

RCP

• North Carolina State Licensure or North Carolina State Provisional License, Certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• If CRT, must obtain RRT within 6 months of employment.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), and any other applicable certifications applicable to the institution.

RCP Advanced

• North Carolina State Licensure
• Registry (RRT) by the National Association for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Certification in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) if applicable to institution

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge necessary to make appropriate clinical decisions and interactions relative to the specific age of a patient.
• Skills validation/certifications of competencies for the duties and responsibilities of this level.
• Must maintain annual skill and safety/compliance requirements.
• Must maintain North Carolina annual license requirements for CEUs.
• Customer service and communication expertise.
• Work involves contact with patients of all ages, family members, physicians, nursing, and all other members of the health care team.
• Work is performed in all areas of the hospital.
• Required to carry emergency airway bag weighing approximately 20 pounds.
• Work requires walking, running, climbing and bending.