A Day in the Life
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) provides care for all ages of patients. In addition to covering the general and pediatric nursing units and following competency assessment, this therapist may also accept patient care assignments in the Emergency Department, PACU and adult critical care. Some therapists provide services in other clinical areas as directed by their facility.
- Perform comprehensive respiratory care for adult and pediatric patients, including therapeutic treatments, diagnostic monitoring, ventilator management (invasive and non-invasive), emergency airway support, and response to Code Blue, MRT, and PRT calls.
- Assess respiratory status and develop individualized care plans using approved protocols, maintaining accurate documentation, daily charges, infection control practices, and EMR order verification.
- Support pulmonary rehabilitation by supervising exercise sessions, monitoring clinical responses, providing patient education, documenting progress, and coordinating home respiratory equipment and oxygen evaluations.
- Conduct pulmonary function and diagnostic testing (for trained therapists), including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion studies, bronchial challenge, exercise testing, and equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Assist with cardiac diagnostic services and leadership tasks (for qualified therapists) by performing EKGs, stress tests, Holter monitoring, overseeing staffing and assignments, supporting new employee orientation, and serving as team leader during Code Triage events.