Job Summary:

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) provides direct and/or indirect care of patients. The RRT must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the units' policies and procedures.

Education:

Required:

• Associate of Science in Respiratory Care, or graduate of an NBRC and AMA approved Respiratory Program meeting requirement for eligibility of the NBRC Exam.

Preferred:

• None

Experience:

Required:

• Knowledge of general patient care and respiratory principles and practice skills
• Knowledge of organizational functions, policies and regulations
• Knowledge of current trends and new developments in the cardiovascular arena

Preferred: Previous clinical experience as an RRT-CVS in a Cardiac Cath or EP Lab

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration:

Required:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist credential by the National Board of Respiratory Care
• Current Tennessee Respiratory Therapist license
• BLS completed before arrival to the unit/ department and maintained going forward
• Current ACLS certification
• Current PALS certification

Preferred:

• Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is preferred and highly encouraged after one year.

Department Position Summary:

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) provides direct and/or indirect patient care in the Cardiac Cath and EP Lab. Assesses patients, administers pharmacological drugs within scope of practice as ordered, performs procedures, operates equipment necessary for assigned patient care, and assists physician with procedures. The RRT must be familiar with sterile technique, cath lab equipment, procedures and radiation safety.

The RRT must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in the Cardiac Cath and EP Lab. The RRT must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in EP Labs policies and procedures and include but not limited to the following:

• Advanced knowledge of cardiac electrophysiology, including arrhythmia mechanisms, intracardiac signal interpretation, and electrical mapping principles. The specialized knowledge base is electrical vs anatomical focus
• EP procedures are more technically intricate and cognitively demanding- training consists of diagnostic EP studies with programmed electrical stimulation, use of 3D mapping of arrythmia circuits. Requires real-time interpretation and decision support not just procedural assistance.
• Must demonstrate competency supporting complex EP procedures including ablation, device implantation, and electroanatomic mapping.
• Show proficiency in EP-specific technologies including 3D mapping systems, cardiac stimulators, and ablation platforms
• EP specialty certification (RCES, CEPS, or IBHRE) preferred/required within defined timeframe
• Ability to analyze and respond to complex electrophysiologic data in real time to support procedural decision-making
• Maintains ongoing competency with evolving EP technologies and participates in continuous education related to electrophysiology advancements

Clinical competency is evaluated annually using a variety of mechanisms. It focuses on the population-specific needs of the customers served by the staff member.