The Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system, under supervision of Physician, and by prescription. 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 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