Respiratory Therapy Program

Program Requirements

Physical Requirments

Respiratory Therapy Program Technical Standards For Respiratory Care

General Job Description: Utilizes the application of scientific principles for the identification, prevention, remediation, research, and rehabilitation of acute or chronic cardiopulmonary dysfunction thereby producing optimum health and function. Reviews existing data, collects additional data, and recommends obtaining data to evaluate the respiratory status of patients, develop the respiratory care plan, and determine the appropriateness of the prescribed therapy. Initiates, conducts, and modifies prescribed therapeutic and diagnostic procedures such as: administering medical gases, resuscitation; providing support services to mechanically ventilated patients; maintaining artificial and natural airways; performing pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic monitoring and other physiologic monitoring; collecting specimens of blood and other materials. Documents necessary information in the patient's medical record and on other forms, and communicates that information to members of the health care team. Obtains, assembles, calibrates, and checks necessary equipment. Uses problem solving to identify and correct malfunctions of respiratory care equipment. Demonstrates appropriate interpersonal skills to work productively with patients, families, staff, and co-workers. Accepts directives, maintains confidentiality, does not discriminate, and upholds the ethical standards of the profession.

In order to achieve the goals of the program, students learn, practice and verify mastery of the required competencies by utilizing a variety of skills, which include (but are not limited to) the following abilities:

Physical Standards: Students will be required to perform the following tasks on a regular basis.

• Apply and refine skills acquired in the classroom and laboratory settings to actual patients and situations in the clinical setting.
• Demonstrate psychomotor skills in manipulating patients and equipment.
• Crouch to locate and plug in electrical equipment.
• Feel to palpate pulses, arteries for puncture, skin temperature.
• Grasp syringes, laryngoscope, and endotracheal tubes.
• Handle small and large equipment for storing, retrieving, and moving.
• Hear verbal directions.
• Hear gas flow through equipment.
• Kneel to perform CPR.
• Lift up to 50 pounds to assist moving patients.
• Manipulate knobs, dials associated with diagnostic/therapeutic devices.
• Modify or adapt equipment and procedures to solve problems.
• Perform simulated clinical procedures on classmates or mannequins.
• Push/pull large wheeled equipment, i.e., mechanical ventilators.
• Provide and take responsibility for their own transportation to and from assigned clinical sites.
• Reach 5 1/2 inches above the floor to attach oxygen devices to the wall outlet.
• Read typed, handwritten, computer information in English.
• See patient conditions such as skin color, work of breathing, and mist flowing through the tubing.
• Select, obtain, assemble, disassemble, correct malfunctions, perform maintenance and evaluate various pieces of medical equipment.
• Stand for prolonged periods of time (e.g., to deliver therapy, check equipment).
• Stoop to adjust equipment.
• Talk to communicate effectively in English goals/procedures to patients.
• Walk for extended periods of time to all areas of a hospital.
• Write to communicate in English pertinent information (e.g., patient evaluation data,and therapy outcomes).

Attitudinal/Mental Standards: Students will be required to perform the following tasks on a regular basis.

• Accept and apply constructive criticism.
• Adhere to institutional and programmatic policies.
• Apply theory to clinical practice.
• Calculate, analyze, interpret and record numbers and physical data accurately.
• Demonstrate self-direction and independent responsibility.
• Display attitudes/actions consistent with the ethical standards of the profession.
• Display empathy for patients.
• Exhibit social skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, families, supervisors, and co-workers of the same or different cultures such as respect, politeness, tact, collaboration, teamwork, discretion.
• Follow verbal and written instructions independently without critical errors.
• Function safely, effectively, and calmly under stressful situations.
• Maintain composure while managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Maintain personal hygiene consistent with close personal contact associated with patient care.
• Prioritize multiple tasks, establish goals, plan activities, and use time effectively.
• Work in a positive, constructive manner with peers and instructors.