General Job Description for Respiratory Therapist

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
Develops the respiratory care plan, and determines 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

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