Respiratory Therapist

Job Title : Respiratory Therapist - Long-Term Care Facility

Job Summary :

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) will provide high-quality, compassionate respiratory care to residents in a long-term care facility. The RT will assess, treat, and manage respiratory conditions, educate patients and their families, and collaborate with healthcare teams to optimize respiratory function and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

Key Responsibilities :

• Assessment & Evaluation :
• Perform initial and ongoing assessments of residents' respiratory status, including respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and overall airway function.
• Review medical records and collaborate with the medical team to develop individualized care plans.
• Monitor residents for changes in respiratory condition and implement appropriate interventions.
• Respiratory Therapy Administration :
• Administer oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, and inhaled medications.
• Set up and manage mechanical ventilation (if applicable) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
• Perform chest physiotherapy (postural drainage, percussion, and vibration) to assist in mobilizing secretions.
• Patient Education :
• Educate residents and their families on the proper use of respiratory equipment and medications.
• Provide guidance on managing chronic respiratory conditions and promoting respiratory wellness.
• Offer instructions on techniques for improving lung function, breathing exercises, and airway clearance.
• Collaborative Care :
• Work closely with nursing staff, physicians, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care plans.
• Attend care planning meetings and contribute to discussions on respiratory-related interventions and treatment goals.
• Assist with end-of-life care and palliative respiratory management when appropriate.
• Documentation & Reporting :
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of respiratory treatments and interventions.
• Document changes in residents' respiratory status and communicate with physicians and nurses regarding significant changes.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations concerning respiratory care documentation.
• Equipment Management :
• Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and cleaning of respiratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and ensure readiness for use when needed.
• Quality Assurance :
• Monitor respiratory care quality standards and provide recommendations for improvements.
• Participate in facility audits and assist with compliance with all regulations and standards.
• Emergency Response :
• Respond promptly to respiratory emergencies, including acute respiratory distress or failure.
• Assist with CPR and other life-saving interventions as needed.
Qualifications :
• Education :
• Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or related field (Bachelor's preferred).
• Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• Licenses / Certifications :
• State of North Carolina Respiratory Care Practitioner license .
• Certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) .
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required depending on facility requirements.
• Experience :
• Previous experience in a long-term care, hospital, or rehabilitation setting preferred.
• Familiarity with chronic respiratory diseases and ventilator management is essential.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Skills :
• Strong assessment and clinical decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with residents, families, and the healthcare team.
• Knowledge of respiratory care techniques, equipment, and protocols.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks in a busy healthcare environment.

Work Environment :

Physical Requirements :

Salary and Benefits :