Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Hudson Hospital & Clinic

Job Title:

Respiratory Therapist

Job Code:

2301850

2301851

Leader Title Level:

Manager, Respiratory Therapy

Location:

Hudson

Department:

Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonary

Final Approval (Dir. or VP Level)

Director of Valley Respiratory Services & CNO

Date Approved:

2021

Date Revised:

06.29.2026

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Provides comprehensive respiratory and cardiopulmonary care across inpatient and outpatient settings, delivering safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered services to neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations under the direction of a physician. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for assessment, treatment, monitoring, and evaluation of patients with cardiopulmonary conditions, as well as participation in emergency response and interdisciplinary care planning. Perform independent professional respiratory care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in an appropriate, safe, and cost-effective manner. Support medical staff and other hospital staff in providing quality patient care. All Respiratory Therapists provide inpatient care and are cross trained to provide outpatient services, including pulmonary function testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, and durable medical equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:

• Graduate of an AMA approved respiratory care program

• Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

• Credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a: Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRT), or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

• Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist in the State of WI

• BLS certified - current at time of hire/start date

• ACLS certified within 3 months

• NRP certified within 3 months

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients of all age groups (neonatal through geriatric).

• Must demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development through the life span.

• Must possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status, and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's needs in relation to age and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.

• Computer and communication skills.

• Create and support a culture of patient safety.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:

• One (1) or more years of ICU experience

• NICU experience

• Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

• PALS

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• EPIC experience

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• (45%) - Inpatient Services

• Routine respiratory care treatment/therapy: aerosol treatment, chest physiotherapy, delivery of inhalation medications (MDI with spacer, DPI, and neb treatments), sputum induction, peak flow monitoring, CPAP, BIPAP, ABG punctures, oximetry, circuit changes, NT suctioning.

• Critical care interventions i.e.: ventilator setup, ventilator monitoring, ventilator weaning, vent tube changes, critical care transports, ET suctioning, weaning parameters, extubation, and other related procedures. It is the expectation that the RT will also be competent in the operation and troubleshooting of all respiratory equipment.

• Respond to all Code Blue, Rapid Response, Trauma Team Activations, Code Stroke, Code STEMI calls

• Assess and provide patient care based on patients age and physiological needs; Works as a team, routinely discusses and collaborates with physician/RN's regarding patient's plan of care.

• Performs patient and family education prior to discharge: COPD, medication review, MDI technique, tobacco cessation

• Delivers bedside COPD education and connects patients with hospital and community resources to improve self-management and reduce preventable readmissions

• Assess and develop treatment recommendations based on respiratory therapy driven protocols. Performs respiratory care protocols on date due and within 24 hours of all new starts; protocol documentation is accurate and complete

• Access and document patient's respiratory health status; Uses critical thinking and assessment skills to identify and respond to patient in respiratory distress

• Evaluate home cpap/ventilator machines for patient use during hospital stay

• (45%) - Outpatient Services

• Diagnostic procedures specific to respiratory: Bedside spirometry and/or Pulmonary Function Testing i.e.: spirometry, flow volume loops, lung volumes, delivery of bronchodilators for pre and post testing, methacholine challenges, and other related procedures

• Facilitate pulmonary rehabilitation services through patient assessment, monitoring, education, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to support optimal functional outcomes

• Participates in durable medical equipment (DME) services through patient assessment, equipment setup, education, and support to ensure safe and effective use of respiratory therapies at home

• Performs home oxygen evaluations and set-ups in both inpatient and outpatient setting. Arranges oxygen equipment for bedside discharge and provides patient education for safe transfer

• Participates in sleep-related HealthPartners DME services through patient assessment, PAP therapy setup and troubleshooting, and education to support effective management of sleep-disordered breathing

• Coordinates transitions of care from hospital discharge by collaborating with community DME vendors and ensuring all required orders, documentation, and qualification criteria are complete and received

• (10%) - Other

• Orally communicates pertinent information during the shift report including patient's history, diagnosis, current orders, and response to therapy, ABG results and plan of care

• Accurately and timely complete patient care documentation in the patient medical record

• Accurately and timely complete patient charges

• Patient scheduling for outpatient services

• Attend 50% or more of monthly department staff meetings and complete 100% of mandatory educational activities.

• Job description rankings/percentages are intended to reflect normal averages over an extended period of time, and are subject to daily variances. Quality and efficiency standards should at no time be compromised to meet the average expectations expressed above. Job descriptions are subject to change to accommodate organization or department needs.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Values

All colleagues are expected to live our values:

Excellence: We strive for the best results and always look for ways to improve.

Compassion: We care and show empathy and respect for each person.

Partnership: We are strongest when we work together and with those we serve.

Integrity: We are open and honest, and we keep our commitments.

Additional Expectations:

• Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues, and promotes a safe work environment.

• Maintains regular and timely attendance.

• Protects confidentiality.

• Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization''s Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization''s policies and procedures.

• Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e., licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.)

POPULATION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Yes

No

Does this employee have direct patient contact?

X

Departments will need to determine the appropriate competencies in their areas for their specific patient populations documented in the essential duties section.

Examples of items that can be included are:

• Identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the patient or situation specific to the needs of the population served.

• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and team members.

• Integrates practices that supports patient safety, acknowledges variations in populations served.

• Anticipates the needs of the population served as well as the unique characteristics of the communities served.

• Anticipates the needs of the population in providing culturally responsive care and develops an individualized plan for patients and families.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:

No direct reports. This position reports to the Manager of Respiratory Therapy-Western Wisconsin.

Critical Job Demands

Section 1: Place an "X' next to ONE of the terms that best describes the frequency for each of the Critical Demands.

Critical Demands

N/A

0%

Rare

1-5% (Up to a 1/2 hour)

Occa

6-33% (1/2 hour to 3 hours)

Freq

34-66% (3 to 5½ hours)

Cont

67-100% (5½ to 8 hours)

Standing - Remaining on one''s feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about.

X

Walking - Moving about on foot.

X

Sitting - Remaining in a seated position.

X

Squatting - Assuming or maintaining a crouching position with the knees bent.

X

Reaching - Stretching out or extending to touch or grasp.

X

Lifting - Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling).

X

Carrying - Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder.

X

Pushing/Pulling - Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away/towards from the force.

X

Handling/Fingering - (includes typing, computer work, gripping, grasping, and pinching)

X

Section 2: Place an "X" next to ONE of the terms that best describes the Strength Rating for this job classification which is expressed by one of five terms: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy, and Very Heavy.

Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. XLight Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible. Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work. Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.

Note: During any patient handling task, if any caregiver is required to lift more than 35 lbs. of a patient's weight, assistive transfer devices should be used for the transfer.

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Please contact the employer Employee Health & Safety (EHS) with any questions or assistance related to the completion of the Hazard Assessment for Personal Protective Equipment (HAPPE) Form.RELATED TO: Hazardous Substances and Harmful Physical Agents

Yes

No

Task Description

Potential Hazard

Hazard control

PPE Required

X

Working with box cutters, knives or other sharp cutting devices.Penetration

• Cut away from body.
• Use proper tool for the job.

Safety knife or safety box cutter

Cut resistant gloves

Other ___

X

Working with liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics (Examples: reprocessing, cleaners, disinfectants, laboratory chemicals).

See MSDS online database for chemical list

Chemicals

Flammables

Toxic Gases

Corrosives

• Use only employer approved products.
• Use appropriate soaking containers with labels.
• Understand hazards of chemicals you use (read MSDS).

Goggles

Chemical face shield

Chemical resistant gloves

Chemical resistant aprons

Lab Coat

Closed toe shoes

Powered Air Purifying Respirator

Other ___

X

Exposed to extreme heat (Examples: Autoclaves, Blanket warmers, Ovens, Propane torches) or cold (Liquid Nitrogen, Winter temperatures).

Heat

Cold Stress, Burns, Frostbite

• Approach hot surfaces carefully.
• Use only approved liquid nitrogen dewars. Dispense only if trained.

Heat resistant gloves

Cryogenic (cold resistant) gloves

Goggles

Face shield

Other ___

X

Driving or riding in motorized vehicle equipment as part of the job.Vehicle crash, Impact

• Absolutely no text messaging while driving.
• Refrain from cell phone use while driving.

Seat belt

Other ___

X

Working in extremely wet or slippery conditions or working in 24/7 operations where floors are wet from mopping.Slip, Trip, or Fall

• For wet areas, mop excess water regularly.
• Place warning signs.
• Select footwear carefully

Slip resistant shoes

Rubber boots

Other ___

X

Preparing or handling hazardous drugs (Examples: cytotoxic drugs, chemotherapy agents).

Chemical

Genetic damage

Tumors

• Receive training
• PPE
• Use of biological cabinet
• Spill procedures
• Waste disposal SOP

Gloves appropriate for chemical

Disposable barrier gown

Goggles

N95/PAPR (spill cleanup)

Ventilation Hood

Other ___

X

Medical/surgical procedures involving heat generating tools or equipment (Examples: cautery/ lasers).Light radiation, burns to self or patient, smoke inhalation

• Receive laser training.
• Awareness and knowledge to minimize surgical or procedural fires.
• Code Red training
• PPE
• Restricted access

Specialized laser safety glasses

Other ___

X

Working with or near ionizing Radiation Hazards (Examples: Radioactive sources, X-Rays).Over exposure, Genetic damage

• Warning signage
• PPE
• Waste and spill procedures
• Personal monitoring
• Shielding, distance

Lead Aprons

Other ___

X

Working near MRI.Trauma resulting from missile effect

• Restrict access
• Screening
• Signage

X

Moving equipment/supplies.Strain, Sprain

• Proper body mechanics
• Get additional help
• Get Ergonomic help from EOHS.

X

Dealing with agitated persons or disturbances.Workplace violence, bodily injury, body fluid exposure

• Training in verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Code Green procedure

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown or fluid resistant Lab Coat

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)RELATED TO: Infectious Agents

Yes

No

Description

Potential Hazard

Hazard control

PPE Required

PERFORMING OR ASSISTING WITH THESE TASKS:

X

Potential for splash of blood/body fluid to face and clothing: examples but not all inclusive: suctioning, wound irrigation, eye & ear irrigation, close contact (within 3 ft.) of patient with frequent, productive cough, sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy, colonoscopy.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
• PPE

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield)

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

X

Activity that requires touching patient's non-intact skin or mucous membranes.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
• PPE

Gloves (Clean)

X

Activity that includes touching patient's blood/body fluid or contaminated items or environment, examples, but not all inclusive: disposal of urine, blood canisters.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

• Hand hygiene before and after task
• PPE
• Use of Spill kits (as needed)

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash

X

Performing duties with sharp devices that could result in exposure to blood or body fluids.

Exposure to Infectious Agent/sharp injury

• Use of sharps safety devices
• Avoid re-capping needles
• Proper disposal of sharps at point of care
• For reusable sharp, use safe transporting practices
• Use neutral zone for passing sharps
• PPE

Gloves (Clean vs. Sterile depends on the procedure)

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash

X

Entering rooms where patients with airborne diseases are treated. Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

• Mask patient
• Place patient in airborne infection isolation room if available
• Limit entry into room
• Keep door closed
• PPE

Follow Communicable Disease Guidelines and Tuberculosis Control Plan to determine if N95 respirator, PAPR, or surgical mask is needed

X

Work with specimens from patients with airborne diseases.

Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

• PPE
• Biological Safety hoods/cabinet instrumentation with automated/closed sampling mechanisms

N95 respirator or PAPR

X

1. Procedures that enter deep tissue or body fluid, including but not limited to:

Central IV insertion, placing a catheter or injecting material into the spinal canal or subdural space (myelogram, lumbar puncture, spinal/epidural anesthesia), breast biopsy, temporal artery biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, OB vaginal delivery, incision & drainage.

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedures
• PPE

Gloves (Sterile)

Barrier Gown

Facial protection (mask plus eye protection or face shield plus mask required during these procedures)

X

2. a. Procedures that enter

subcutaneous tissue or are located

in the skin structure, including but

not limited to:

• Excision of mole, lump, or bump
• Excision of lipoma or sebaceous cyst, vasectomy

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedure
• PPE

Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash)

Gloves (Sterile)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

X

2. b. Additional Procedures

• Shave biopsy, punch biopsy
• Joint injection, nerve injection, joint aspiration
• Peripheral IV insertion, ENT procedures
• Anal-rectal Biopsy

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene before and after procedure
• PPE

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash)

X

3. Handling Lab specimens in a laboratory

Exposure to infectious agents

• Hand hygiene after removing gloves
• PPE
• Biological Safety hoods/cabinet
• Splash guard
• Instrumentation with automated/closed sampling mechanisms

Lab Coat ( fluid resistant)

Gloves (Clean)

Facial protection (mask plus eye protection or face shield plus mask required during these procedures)

Other tasks with identified safety, health or infectious hazards requiring PPE?

Yes

No

Task Description

Hazard

Hazard control

List PPE required

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