The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They work closely with physicians and healthcare teams to provide high-quality care to patients across various settings. Key responsibilities include administering respiratory treatments, managing ventilators, performing diagnostic tests (such as pulmonary function tests), and educating patients on proper respiratory care. The Respiratory Therapist ensures that patients receive optimal respiratory support, helping improve their quality of life through compassionate care and evidence-based practice.
Reports to: Clinical Manager
1. Assess patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
2. Consult with physicians about patients' conditions and develop treatment plans.
3. Perform diagnostic tests as needed.
4. Provide education about respiratory conditions, medications, respiratory equipment and treatments to patients/families and other members of the interdisciplinary team and ensure that patients/families are able to administer medications and treatments effectively and safely.
5. Assess patients' breathing difficulties, oxygen levels, and overall respiratory health.
6. Work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to create and implement individualized treatment plans.
7. Administer oxygen therapy, administer medications via nebulizers or inhalers, masks and perform other respiratory treatments as needed.
8. Continuously monitor patients' responses to treatments and adjust plans as necessary.
9. Ensure that ventilators, oxygen concentrators, tracheostomies and other respiratory equipment are functioning properly and safely.
10. Regularly inspect, clean and disinfect equipment to prevent infection.
11. Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions.
12. Answer questions and address concerns about respiratory care.
13. Check the home for environmental hazards
14. Maintains and stocks respiratory equipment.
15. Ensures ventilator and life support equipment are operable.
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Graduation from an approved two-year respiratory therapist program
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Licensed by the District of Columbia Health Regulation as a Registered Respiratory Therapist or CRT Certified Respiratory Therapist.
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BLS Basic Life Support for Health Care Professionals required.
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Excellent critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
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Strong organizational and attention to detail.
