Under general supervision and according to established procedure specific to age and upon order of a physician provides respiratory care designed to stabilize, prevent or remedy patient respiratory problems. In doing so, arranges and operates a variety of oxygen and other therapeutic gas equipment in order to safely administer prescribed doses of medical gases and aerosolized drugs to patients. Checks equipment regularly for proper functioning and records data obtained during therapy and diagnostic testing in patient charts. Draws, analyzes, and reports ABGs to physicians and nurses. Involved with adult ventilator weaning protocol and MDI protocol. Participates in embracing excellence and relationship based care.

Work requires a graduate of an approved A.M.A. school for Respiratory Therapy.   Must hold a current NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care credential (Certified or Registered) and must have a current license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care. Work requires the analytical ability to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.  Must be able to explain clinical, technical and diagnostic procedures to patients and their families, comforting patients and their families, enforcing policies and regulations in difficult situations, or performing other duties requiring a comparable level of communication skill.  Work requires providing direct patient care to neonate, pediatric, adolescent, young adult, adult and geriatric patients. Current and continued BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is required.

Effective January 2019, St. Joseph’s Health requires all employee certifications for Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) to be granted through the American Heart Association.