Respiratory Therapist Jobs

When we think of healthcare professionals, doctors, and nurses usually come to our to mind, but many other essential roles contribute to the wellness of patients. One role that falls into this category is that of a Respiratory Therapist. They help patients who have breathing or lung-related problems. Respitatory therapist job entails helping patients improve their respiratory function so that they can breathe more comfortably.

Why are Respiratory Therapists needed?

Respiratory therapists are very much needed in healthcare, particularly in critical care settings such as the intensive care unit (ICU). They help patients with lung issues, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia, breathe more easily. Also, they work with patients who need assistance with pulmonary processes and proper function. During the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory therapists were on the frontlines of caring for patients with the virus, helping manage their symptoms, and ensuring they receive the oxygen and ventilation support they need. Furthermore, respiratory therapists can also help manage and prevent complications related to airflow issues. 

Job description of a Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists are responsible for assessing patients with breathing difficulties, conducting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans to improve respiratory function.

Core Responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist

• Monitoring patients on automated ventilation.

• Administering medications to treat respiratory problems. 

• Responding to emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, and assisting as needed.

• Conducting pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity.

• Document patient progress and treatment outcomes.

• Performing arterial blood gas sampling.

• Assisting with tracheal intubation. 

• Participating in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient results.

• Perform routine maintenance checks, calibrate respiratory equipment, and fix problems as they emerge.

Educational and Technical Qualifications

While many respiratory therapists may choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in health sciences, others without a degree can take the alternative of taking a relative online course or training. After the training/courses, respiratory therapists must be confirmed legal to practice, which typically involves passing an exam that presents you as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. If you plan to start a course right away, check out the following courses on Alison.com to help you get started:

• Clinical skills - caring for respiratory patients 

• Pharmacotherapy: Cardio, Respiratory and Endocrine system

• Advanced Cardiac Life support

You can also check other course providers to broaden your choice and settle for a course.

Common respiratory issues

• Pneumonia

• Asthma

• COPD (Chronic Obsructive Pulmonary disease)

• Tuberculosis

• Bronchitis

• Sleep Apnea

• Pulmonary embolism

• Cystic Fibrosis 

Technical Skills needed by a Respiratory Therapist

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

CPR is a skill needed to help and save a patient's life in case of an emergency. A respiratory therapist must be able to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and respond quickly and appropriately to initiate CPR. 

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy involves administering oxygen to patients who are experiencing respiratory distress or who have low blood oxygen levels. Therefore, Respiratory therapists must be able to use different types of oxygen delivery techniques and devices such as nasal cannulas, oxygen masks, and high-flow nasal cannula treatment to deliver oxygen therapy. They must also be able to assess a patient's condition and determine the appropriate oxygen delivery method and flow rate based on the patient's needs. 

Airway Management 

Airway Management may require that a respiratory therapist perform tasks such as intubation, tracheostomy care, and suctioning. Intubation involves the insertion of a tube into a patient's airway to help them breathe; while this may not be necessary for some patients, it is the job of the respiratory therapist to check the patient's condition and determine if intubation is important. 

Mechanical ventilation

Patients with serious breathing conditions may have to be placed on mechanical ventilation. This involves the use of a machine to assist or replace a patient's breathing. Respiratory therapists must be able to adjust mechanical ventilation settings based on a patient's condition. Also, they need to be capable of monitoring the patient's response to mechanical ventilation and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate oxygen and can breathe comfortably.

Pulmonary function testing

If a patient complains of breathing issues, a test has to be performed and pulmonary function testing is an important diagnostic tool used by respiratory therapists to examine a patient's lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions. This test involves measuring various aspects of lung function, including lung volumes and capacity, air flow rates, and gas exchange. When this is done, respiratory therapists must be able to explain the results of pulmonary function testing to patients and other healthcare professionals and use the results to develop a treatment plan for the patient. 

Arterial blood gas sampling and analysis

Arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling entails inserting a needle into an artery usually in the wrist, to obtain a small sample of blood. Respiratory therapists must be able to perform this procedure safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of complications such as bleeding or infection. Once a sample of arterial blood has been obtained, respiratory therapists are required to analyze the results, which typically include measurements of pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and bicarbonate levels. 

Aerosolized medication administration

One of the very common forms of aerosolized medication is the use of an Inhaler. Aerosolized medications are delivered directly to the lungs, where they can help to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Besides administering inhalers, respiratory therapists may also use other types of aerosolized medication delivery devices, such as nebulizers, which are machines that deliver medication in the form of a mist or aerosol that can be inhaled. Also, they are required to be familiar with these devices to be able to select the appropriate device and medication based on a patient's condition. 

How much do Respiratory therapists earn? 

According to salary explorer, a respiratory therapist's salary in Nigeria ranges between NGN 277,000 to NGN 838,000 monthly. To find respiratory therapist jobs near you, sign up on hubforjobs and apply for the available openings.