Job Description:The Registered Respiratory Practitioner I evaluates, cares for, and treats patients with deficiencies and/or abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system upon the receipt of a written or verbal order from a qualified practitioner. The RRT provides patient education and diagnostic/therapeutic respiratory care. Care is provided to the infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations.Qualifications:Required Education: Associates DegreeRequired Certifications and Licensures: Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Licensed by the Virginia State Board of Medicine to practice as a Respiratory Therapist.While in force, new graduates may practice as an RT-Applicant pending licensure under the emergency guidelines stated in HR 745, 54.1-2955 : VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER An Act to amend and reenact -54.1-2955 of the Code of Virginia, relating to practice of respiratory therapists; practice pending licensure; emergency. [H 745] Approved. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:54.1-2955. Restriction of titles. A. It is unlawful for any person not holding a current and valid license from the Virginia Board of Medicine to practice as a respiratory therapist or to assume the title "Respiratory Therapist" or to use, in conjunction with his name, the letters "RT." B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a person who has graduated from an accredited respiratory therapy education program may practice with the title "Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant" or "RT-Applicant" until he has received a failing score on any examination required by the Board for licensure or six months from the date of graduation, whichever occurs sooner.Any person practicing pursuant to this subsection as shall be identified with the title "Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant" or "RT-Applicant" on any identification issued by an employer and in conjunction with any signature in the course of his practice. 2. That an emergency exists and this act in in force from its passage. BLS (Basic Life Support) within 60 days of hire. ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) within a year of hire.
