Reports to the Medical Director. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for delivering pulmonary rehabilitation services and supporting Traditional Cardiac Rehabilitation and Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) programs. This role focuses on patient safety, respiratory assessment, and education within a clinical fitness environment. The Respiratory Therapist works collaboratively with Exercise Physiologists, Registered Nurses, and other clinical staff as part of a multidisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes. They assist patients in managing pulmonary conditions, ensure safe use of equipment, and promote proper exercise techniques and breathing strategies.
Classification level of Respiratory Therapist will be decided by pre-determined guides below:
- Level I- Less than two years' experience or does not meet qualifications of a Level II position.
- Level II- Independently functions in CCU, NICU, PICU, or Pulmonary Function Lab with minimum 2 years' experience and ability to validate independent skills to leadership. (eligible $3.00 ad-rate)
- Level III- All previous level requirements must be met in addition to performing one or more of the following: Performs surgical bronchoscopies, provides independent respiratory support during a NICU/PICU transport, valid certified and/or registered pulmonary function technologist exam and/or valid specialty exam credentials from NBRC in your qualifying area of practice. (eligible for an additional $2.00 ad-rate for a maximum of $5.00, not per each skill).
** Level eligibility will be dependent to specific Beacon facility and available areas of practice within that hospital.
MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS
- MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
- VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
- SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.
Performs the functions of a Respiratory therapist by:
- Demonstrating proficiency in Adult, Pediatric, and/or Neonatal critical care equipment, and procedures.
- Adheres to intubation, transportation of patients, bedside bronchoscopy, and attends high risk deliveries per facilities policy and procedures.
- Collaborate and communicate with physicians, and other associates to optimize patient care, including participation in daily rounds where applicable.
- Maintains advanced certifications for appropriate critical care area.
- Ensures proper administration of a variety of respiratory treatments.
- Adhering to the physician's orders and use of established Respiratory Care Protocols.
- Effectively completing and analyzing diagnostic tests and results.
- Determining the most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed and modifications necessary to provide respiratory care to patients.
- Establishing priorities for patient care/job activities based on acuity of need.
- Explaining treatment and breathing procedures to patients to allay fears and anxieties and to elicit cooperation during therapy.
- Setting up, attaching to patient, operating, and monitoring various types of respiratory equipment such as: ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP, and oxygen devices.
- Documenting patient treatment activities and results.
- Maintaining Respiratory Therapy equipment; assembly, testing, cleaning, and/or sterilizing.
- Organizes, supervises, and delivers pulmonary rehabilitation services according to established clinical guidelines and protocols.
- Assists in the delivery and support of Traditional Cardiac and SET rehabilitation programs as needed.
- Performs respiratory assessments and monitors patient response to pulmonary rehabilitation interventions.
- Provides patient education on respiratory care, breathing techniques, and exercise safety.
- Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to develop and adjust individualized treatment plans.
- Responds to patient questions and supports proper equipment use and safety protocols.
- Promotes a high level of patient satisfaction and engagement.
- Participates in bi-monthly evening staff meetings.
- Instructs patients on safe and effective use of respiratory and exercise equipment.
- Assists in emergency response efforts as part of the clinical team.
Department Equipment/ Resources:
- Re-stocks supply carts/areas at the end of the shift for the on-coming shift.
- Cleans equipment using appropriate infection control, assembles, and performs required safety checks on equipment.
- Restocks supplies in key work storage areas to ensure adequate supplies are available.
- Returns clean and/or discontinued equipment to the department in a timely manner and no later than the end of the shift.
- Demonstrates ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment.
- Follows department policy regarding medication security.
- Maintains knowledge of respiratory and exercise equipment function and safety.
- Ensures equipment is cleaned, maintained, and reports issues promptly.
- Supports regular evaluation and maintenance procedures.
Meets Pulmonary Services Department education requirements by:
- Precepting orientees, students and other Pulmonary Services team members as requested.
- Willingly share educational information to other associates and students as needed to support their professional development.
- Completing all competencies, CBL's and skill validations as scheduled for each area.
- Attending department professional development lectures as applicable to work area.
- Follows all hospital, regulatory and department training, testing and validation within timeline established.
- Provides patient education on pulmonary rehabilitation protocols and exercise safety.
- Offers individualized counseling to encourage adherence and long-term engagement.
Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:
- Consistently documenting in a complete and accurate manner all patient care. procedures, protocols, and education in the Electronic Medical Record.
- Ensuring that all procedures performed are charged appropriately prior to leaving at the end of the shift, including daily charges.
- Attending department meetings either live or virtually.
- Keep current with professional literature and journals.
- Reading and being accountable for hospital communications such as department emails, meeting minutes, memos, Beacon emails, or newsletters.
- Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.
- Acts promptly in emergency situations and participates in team response.
- Reports clinical changes in patient condition to appropriate team members.
- Attends quarterly mock code training sessions to maintain emergency response readiness.
- Recognizes abnormal respiratory or cardiac symptoms and communicates findings appropriately.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:
- Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
- Completes mandatory education, annual competencies, and department specific education within established timeframes.
- Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
- Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
- Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS, ACLS, NRP, and PALS if applicable and other certifications as required by position/department.
- Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
- Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
- Complies with established organization and department policies.
- Available to work overtime and or additional shifts when required.
Education and Experience
- The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy required. Current licensure as a Respiratory Therapist in the State of Indiana.
Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and membership or certification through the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) preferred. Two years of experience in Pulmonary Rehabilitation or cardiopulmonary care preferred. Current BCLS (CPR) certification required.
ACLS preferred; must obtain within 90 days if not already certified. Certification in Pulmonary Rehabilitation through AACVPR strongly encouraged; must be obtained within one year of hire if not already held.
Knowledge & Skills
- Requires well-developed knowledge of application and effects of respiratory therapy techniques and procedures.
- Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and associates.
- Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all caregivers.
- Requires analytical skills necessary to determine appropriate methods of therapy based upon observation of patient and diagnostic reports to solve complex patient problems.
- Requires ability to handle a multitude of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Requires ability to handle emergency situations in a calm, professional manner.
- Demonstrates self-motivation by using available work time wisely.
- Requires an in-depth knowledge of advanced respiratory critical care including patient assessment, emergency procedures, theory and function of all equipment used in the critical care setting, and monitoring techniques in Critical Care (per facility availability).
- Expertise in pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory care protocols.
- Ability to perform respiratory assessments and monitor patient progress.
- Knowledge of respiratory and exercise equipment use and safety.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support compassionate, patient-centered care.
- Proficiency in documentation and electronic health records.
Ability to educate patients and lead group sessions effectively.
- Commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork and emotional support during patient recovery.
Working Conditions
- Works in a patient care environment with occasional exposure to communicable disease, radiation, or from use of chemical solutions for disinfection.
- Must be able to work under high levels of stress.
- Works in an active clinical fitness environment with frequent patient interaction, occasional interruptions, and fluctuating noise levels.
- Requires flexibility in hours and schedule.
- Requires physical endurance for standing and walking throughout most of the shift.
- Occasional community outreach or off-site activity participation may be required.
Physical Demands
- Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/equipment up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Must possess physical ability and stamina to deliver care in an active environment.
- Manual dexterity to manipulate respiratory and exercise equipment.
- Adequate vision and hearing to monitor patients effectively.
- Primarily standing and walking work with limited sitting.
- May be required to assist in lifting or transferring patients in emergencies.
