Job Description

Possesses and demonstrates adequate knowledge to provide respiratory care to all patient populations with technique appropriate to chronological, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Respiratory care delivered is ordered by physician according to established standards practice and protocols.
Education

• Associate\'s degree (AAS) or higher from an AMA accredited program in respiratory care required
• Bachelor\'s degree in related healthcare field preferred

Experience

• 0-3 years of acute care experience required
• Registry eligible required

Licenses and Certifications

• CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NRBC) required
• RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NRBC) preferred
• Must process and maintain license to practice Respiratory Care in the District of Columbia
• BLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS, NRP, PALS and other certifications are required within a year where required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of human respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pathology as related to respiratory care
• Knowledge of the operation of respiratory care equipment and its application in a clinical setting
• Ability to assess hazardous conditions related to respiratory care and take corrective action
• Ability to remain calm and function under stressful conditions
• Must work well as a team member; must be articulate and communicate well with all types of people
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Assesses the physical, psychosocial, spiritual & cultural dimensions of the patient as well as educational needs and appropriately documents.
• Performs all respiratory therapy treatments and services, including but not limited to: application, operation, monitoring, and management of all equipment and services provided. Service to include but not limited to: oxygen, mixed gas, and humidity; monitoring; ventilators (Invasive and Non-invasive); bronchial hygiene; lung expansion; Spirometry testing; EKG machines; Blood Gas Analysis.
• Employs principles of therapeutic communication, interviewing techniques, problem solving and crisis intervention when performing patient care.
• Reviews electronic medical records and physician orders throughout work shift.
• Responds, performs, and participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation by maintaining the airway, providing oxygen and ventilation via mask, endotracheal tube, or other devices, and performs closed chest cardiac massage.
• Facilitates workflow efficiency, monitoring interdepartmental systems and processes, departmental policies and procedures and making recommendations for improvements as needed.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and is not to be considered as all inclusive.

Medstar Health