Respiratory Therapist / Nurse

• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, as well as medication and dosages
• Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with Physician's orders
• Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators
• Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients
• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes
• Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises
• Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by Physician in diagnosis of case
• Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy
• Consults with Physician in event of adverse reactions
• Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information
• Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently
• Orders repairs when needed
• Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel
• May have to communicate or interact with, assess, or treat patients who may be: Infants (0 - 1 years of age), Pediatrics (1 - 17 years of age), Adults (18 - 64 years of age), Seniors (65 years or greater)
• Participates in Performance Improvement (PI) activities

Qualifications

• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• should have knowledge of Word Processing and system software
• Active State Respiratory Care Practitioner License

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• The completion of an approved school for respiratory therapy