The Registered Respiratory Therapist at Northside Hospital independently provides various respiratory therapy treatments and procedures in accordance with physician orders and established guidelines, and in accordance with the scope of practice as defined by the Georgia Composite Medical Boad.

The Northside Hospital Registered Respiratory Therapist manages care for an assigned group of patients including adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, and adult or neonatal intensive care area with completed competency in accordance with the philosophy and policies of Northside Hospital. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All Registered Respiratory Therapist III’s will perform some or all of the patient care and/or administrative duties listed:

1. Demonstrates competency in clinical practice; self-directed in goal setting in management of complex patients; is skilled at adapting care to rapidly changing patient conditions.
2. Provides safe, competent patient care; is knowledgeable of current respiratory care guidelines; communicates with peers, colleagues, providers and others.
3. Assesses patient’s respiratory condition to determine status and treatment needs in accordance with Respiratory Care Protocols. Recommends and/or implements appropriate therapies as required by incorporating relevant clinical information including vital signs, chest X-rays, and laboratory values.
4. Interviews patients and family members for information related to patient care.
5. Maintains appropriate levels of functional equipment for departmental use.
6. Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Immediately reports any mechanical or electrical equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, or employee/patient/visitor injury‑accident to manager.
7. Performs arterial punctures and interprets blood gas analysis.
8. Obtains arterial blood samples from indwelling arterial lines.
9. Performs pulse oximeter checks to evaluate respiratory status.
10. Delivers various types of treatments, including oxygen, aerosol, positive pressure breathing, and chest physiotherapy.
11. Delivers tracheostomy care, including suctioning and tube changes.
12. Initiates and maintains Cardio‑Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed.
13. Sets‑up, operates, and maintains ventilators. Transports patients connected to ventilators.
14. Performs non‑invasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring, and analyzes data to assess patient status.
15. Maintenance of patient airways and bronchopulmonary hygiene.