Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Explains testing and treatment procedures to patients and performs pulmonary function tests.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments and aerosolized cardiopulmonary medications.
• Sets up, monitors, and maintains non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation equipment.
• Responds promptly to medical emergencies and provides support with intubation, ventilation, and oxygen delivery.
• Teaches patients breathing exercises utilizing incentive spirometry and oscillatory PEP therapy.
• Cleans, repairs, and maintains respiratory therapy equipment.
• Follows all safety rules pertaining to gas cylinders, ventilators, aerosolized medications, and electrical equipment.
• Maintains adequate supplies for respiratory therapy services throughout the hospital.
• Documents all patient care and orders in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Collaborates with nursing, medical staff, and leadership, keeping them informed of patient status and care needs.
• Assists in departmental Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
• Provides education and guidance to nursing staff as needed.
• Participates in mandatory meetings, training, competencies, and continuing education required for licensure.
• Maintains professional, ethical, and safe conduct at all times.
• Practices standard precautions and complies with hazardous materials and infection control procedures.
• Participates in opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Complies with all federal, state, local, and organizational laws, regulations, policies, and standards, including the Corporate Compliance Policy.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• CRT/RRT: Completion of an approved Respiratory Therapy education program required.
• RN: Current Iowa license to practice as a Registered Nurse required.
• Experience performing pulmonary function testing preferred.
• Two years of acute nursing experience (Med/Surg/Peds or ICU) preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, and Position Requirements

• Certification/registration through the National Board of Respiratory Care (CRT or RRT).
• Respiratory Care Practitioner license in Iowa preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• ACLS and PALS required within six months of hire.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain compassionate, professional relationships with patients and families.
• Experience with operating and troubleshooting mechanical ventilation and other respiratory equipment.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license, reliable transportation, and adequate insurance.

Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff.
Language Required: English

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Movement & Body Mechanics

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear.
• Frequent reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting associated with patient care.
• Occasional kneeling, crouching, and stooping.
• Must use correct body mechanics and may be required to use lifting or transfer devices.

Lifting Requirements

• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including assisting with positioning or transferring patients.
• Must be able to support physical tasks required during emergencies, including CPR and manual ventilation.

Sensory Requirements

• Requires close, distance, and color vision; depth perception; peripheral vision; and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must visually assess patient conditions and equipment function.

Environmental Exposure

• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, airborne pathogens, and infectious diseases.
• Exposure to chemicals, disinfectants, aerosolized medications, and compressed medical gases.
• Occasional exposure to radiation, mechanical hazards, and electrical equipment.
• Must tolerate wearing PPE (e.g., N95 mask, gown, gloves, eye protection) for extended periods.

Cognitive & Emotional Demands

• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergent situations.
• Must maintain composure and sound judgment under stress.
• Must work effectively with distressed, disoriented, or combative patients.
• Requires concentration despite frequent interruptions and a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, bloodborne pathogens, and unpleasant sights or odors.
• Potential exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, radiation, and vibration.
• Noise level is generally moderate but may vary.
• May encounter combative or verbally aggressive patients.

Other Requirements
May be required to float to other departments and provide additional coverage or support as needed.