Respiratory Therapist / Nurse

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 dosagesDetermines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with Physician's ordersSets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generatorsOperates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patientsMonitors patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changesPerforms bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercisesPerforms pulmonary function tests to be used by Physician in diagnosis of caseObserves equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapyConsults with Physician in event of adverse reactionsMaintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy informationInspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficientlyOrders repairs when neededDemonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnelMay 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