A Respiratory Therapist assists patients who have trouble breathing because of a chronic respiratory illness, trauma, or other conditions. Administers tests to diagnose breathing problems, performs treatments to help patients breathe easier, or sets up breathing equipment such as ventilators. Works closely with physicians and other healthcare workers, and may also assist in providing emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Works in hospitals; may also provide care and counseling to patients in their homes.
Under general supervision, sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the treatment and diagnosis of respiratory diseases and/or illnesses. Core Competencies Explains purpose and procedure of treatment, tests, and equipment to the patient, and family using AIDET. Administers respiratory care as prescribed by physicians for neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, as assigned, including, but not limited to, metered dose inhalers, hand held nebulizers, various oxygen therapy devices, chest physiotherapy, nasal, oral, and tracheal suctioning, mechanical ventilation set-up and maintenance, stabilizing and maintaining artifical airways, and instructing patients in effective cough and breathing techniques Participates as a member of the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation team. Performs arterial punctures, arterial line draws, and blood gas analysis utilizing the blood gas analyzer. Reports and documents critical values appropriately. Demonstrates competency for pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical phases of blood gas analysis, assessed at 6 months and annually thereafter. Performs preventative maintenance and quality control studies on blood gas analyzer when assigned. Documents all respiratory care services provided to a patient in HIS, including the type of therapy, date and time of administration, effects of therapy, and any adverse reactions. Assists physicians in therapeutic and diagnostic bronchoscopies after competencies have been established. Assesses all patients for appropriateness of therapy, documents care plans, and consults with physicians regarding the plan of care. Educates patient and/or family members regarding respiratory home care, pre-operative therapy, and disease states utilizing the Torrance Memorial Teaching Tools. Communicates care provided and patient's status to oncoming shift, using SBAR. Ensures respiratory equipment is in proper working order, intervenes appropriately when unsafe conditions are identified, and observes all safety and infection control guidelines, performing decontamination, sterilization, and assembly of equipment when necessary. Ensures proper storage and inventory control of equipment in assigned area. Education Degree Program Additional Information Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program. Experience Number of Years Experience Type of Experience Additional Information License / Certification Requirements CA Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license ACLS Certification PALS and ACLS certifications within 3 months of hire from the American Heart Association CRT credential issued by NBRC if licensed prior to 1/1/15; ees hired prior to 1/1/03 grandfathered RRT credential issued by the NBRC if licensed after 1/1/15
