Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the critical healthcare field, the demand for Critical Care Respiratory Therapists has never been more crucial.

As healthcare complexities increase, the need for skilled professionals who can manage, improve, and protect our respiratory care systems grows immensely.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Critical Care Respirapist Therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the crucial role of respiratory therapy in critical care,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Critical Care Respiratory Therapist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Critical Care Respiratory Therapists specialize in providing and managing life support to patients in intensive care units, emergency rooms, and other areas that require advanced respiratory therapy.

They are responsible for a wide range of tasks related to patient care, equipment management and clinical procedures, including:

• Evaluating patients’ respiratory needs and developing appropriate treatment plans
• Administering a variety of respiratory care procedures including therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, mechanical ventilation, and aerosol therapy
• Monitoring and adjusting respiratory support equipment based on patient condition
• Responding to emergency situations and providing necessary respiratory interventions
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare staff to optimize patient care
• Conducting patient education on respiratory care and therapy
• Ensuring the proper maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of respiratory equipment
• Maintaining accurate patient records that document treatment, response, and progress
• Participating in the development and implementation of patient care plans
• Staying updated on the latest advancements and trends in respiratory therapy

 

Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a highly skilled Critical Care Respiratory Therapist to provide top-quality patient care within our intensive care unit.

In this role, you will be responsible for implementing respiratory care based on expanded knowledge and experience, assessing patients, and providing respiratory therapy as ordered by physicians.

Our ideal candidate has a deep knowledge of advanced respiratory care techniques and is capable of providing direct patient care in emergency situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Performing endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation management
• Monitoring and evaluating patient’s response to respiratory therapy
• Administering aerosol-based medications and maintaining artificial airways
• Performing arterial puncture, blood gas analysis and interpretation
• Documenting therapy and treatment, updating patient files, and maintaining patient records
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals for the coordination of patient care
• Conducting patient assessments and diagnostics testing procedures
• Providing patient education and support regarding respiratory health

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Respiratory Therapist
• Current and valid certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
• Knowledge of emergency care, nebulizer therapy, mechanical ventilation
• Experience in a critical care setting preferred
• Strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, stressful environment
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy

 

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Critical Care Respiratory Therapist
• Work Environment: This job operates in a hospital or clinical setting. This role requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital. Requires exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinic environment.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Respiratory Therapy.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Do?

Critical Care Respiratory Therapists are crucial healthcare professionals who work primarily in the intensive care units of hospitals, though they can also work in rehabilitation centers and home healthcare settings.

Their primary responsibility is to provide care and treatment for patients suffering from acute or chronic respiratory disorders.

These can include conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, cardiovascular disorders, and trauma.

They assess and monitor patients’ respiratory conditions and vital signs using a variety of specialized medical equipment, from mechanical ventilators to oxygen delivery devices.

They also help to clear airways and administer medication via aerosol therapy.

Critical Care Respiratory Therapists work closely with doctors and nurses in the formulation of a patient’s treatment plan.

They may also assist in various medical procedures, such as intubation, where a tube is inserted into a patient’s airway to aid breathing.

These therapists play a key role in emergencies and are trained to provide advanced life support techniques, such as CPR.

Additionally, they often provide education to patients and their families about their conditions, and guide them on the use of home respiratory equipment and self-care routines.

Their work involves careful documentation of patient history and treatment progress, adhering strictly to healthcare laws and ethics.

 

Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Critical Care Respiratory Therapist must possess a broad range of technical and soft skills to manage and improve patients’ breathing disorders.

These can include:

• Advanced knowledge of respiratory care techniques and procedures to manage and treat patients with severe respiratory diseases in critical care settings.
• Ability to monitor and interpret data from various diagnostic equipment such as mechanical ventilators, to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Strong problem-solving skills for accurately diagnosing respiratory conditions and determining the most effective course of treatment.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and their families, explaining complex medical procedures and conditions in a clear and compassionate manner.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple patient cases simultaneously, ensuring each patient receives the necessary care in a timely manner.
• Physical stamina and manual dexterity to perform procedures such as bronchoscopy or endotracheal intubation.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-stress, fast-paced environment, particularly during medical emergencies.
• Knowledge of medical ethics and law, respecting the rights and privacy of patients at all times.

 

Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Critical Care Respiratory Therapists are usually required to have at least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience.

This experience can often be acquired through internships or part-time positions in a hospital or clinical setting.

Respiratory therapists are required to have extensive knowledge of respiratory care techniques and procedures, which can be gained through these early-career experiences.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience would have typically honed their skills in critical care settings like intensive care units or emergency departments.

They might have also had the opportunity to specialize in areas such as neonatal or pediatric respiratory care, or mechanical ventilation.

Critical Care Respiratory Therapists with more than 5 years of experience are generally considered highly experienced professionals.

They may have some leadership experience in their background, including responsibilities such as supervising respiratory therapy technicians or acting as a consultant to other healthcare professionals.

These individuals may be ready for a managerial position within the respiratory therapy department.

Moreover, all respiratory therapists must be licensed, and most employers prefer therapists with a professional certification.

The specific requirements vary by state, but typically involve completing an accredited respiratory therapy program and passing a state or professional certification exam.

 

Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Critical Care Respiratory Therapists typically require an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy, although many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree.

The coursework includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other medical related subjects, as well as specific classes on pulmonary pathology, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, and respiratory health management.

Respiratory therapists must also complete clinical training in a healthcare setting to gain hands-on experience in respiratory care procedures.

After completing the educational requirements, aspiring Critical Care Respiratory Therapists need to be licensed in the state they wish to practice in.

Licensing requirements include graduating from an accredited program and passing a state or professional certification exam.

Many therapists choose to pursue advanced certifications, such as the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials.

This indicates an additional level of expertise and dedication to the field.

Continuing education is important in this role due to the constant advancement of medical technology and treatments.

Therapists must keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date in order to provide the best possible care.

 

Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Salary Expectations

A Critical Care Respiratory Therapist earns an average salary of $62,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may fluctuate depending on the level of experience, specialized training, geographical location, and the institution they work for.

 

Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist need?

A Critical Care Respiratory Therapist typically needs to have an associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy, as well as be licensed in their state of practice.

Additionally, certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is often required.

They may also need to complete advanced training or certifications in critical care.

 

What are the daily duties of a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist?

Critical Care Respiratory Therapists work closely with doctors and nurses to develop and implement treatment plans for patients suffering from a variety of respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or pneumonia.

They provide specialized care including administering medications, managing ventilators, conducting diagnostic tests, and monitoring patient progress.

They may also provide emergency respiratory care such as CPR.

 

What skills are important for a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist?

Critical Care Respiratory Therapists need to have strong technical skills to operate and troubleshoot respiratory equipment.

They should have good problem-solving skills to adapt treatment plans based on a patient’s progress or response.

Communication skills are also essential as they need to collaborate with a healthcare team and explain treatment procedures to patients and their families.

They should also be compassionate and patient, as they often work with critically ill patients.

 

What should you look for in a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist resume?

Apart from the necessary qualifications and licenses, look for experience in a critical care setting.

This could be through internships, clinical rotations, or previous jobs.

Any additional certifications, such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), would also be beneficial.

Pay attention to their technical skills, especially related to the operation of complex respiratory equipment, as well as their ability to work as part of a team and manage stressful situations.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist?

The difficulty in hiring a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist depends on various factors, including the location and the current job market.

However, due to the specific skills and qualifications required for this role, finding a highly qualified candidate can be challenging.

It may be helpful to offer competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the mysteries of what it truly means to be a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist.

And here’s the scoop:

It’s not just about using medical equipment.

It’s about breathing life into critical care, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive critical care respiratory therapist job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to take the next leap.

But why end here?

Go deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating laser-focused job listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Each breath you assist is a part of a larger life-saving mission.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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