• Perform chest examinations on a range of patients from babies through to the elderly
• Consult with doctors and other healthcare staff to develop and modify patient treatment plans
• Provide detailed therapy, requiring significant independent judgment, like when caring for patients in intensive care
• Perform physical examination and diagnostic tests measuring lung capacity and blood acidity and alkalinity
• Treat patients using oxygen or oxygen mixtures, aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy
• Connect patients who can’t breathe to a ventilator
• Educate patients on how to use equipment and medication
• Regularly check on patients and equipment
• Monitoring patient physiological responses to therapy such as arterial blood gases, vital signs or blood chemistry, and lung function changes, and consulting with physicians if there are adverse reactions.
• Working as part of a team of health care professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures.
• Setting up and operating devices including therapeutic gas administration apparatus, mechanical ventilators, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Following specified parameters of treatment.
• Providing emergency care, such as external cardiac massage, artificial respiration, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Bedside manner
• Physiological knowledge
• Infection control
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Creating a safe, effective environment
• Informing others
• Verbal communication
• Medical teamwork
• Judgment
• Procedural skills
• People skills

 Respiratory Therapist Requirements:

• Completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program or technical college course for respiratory therapy.
• Registration or certification by the national board for respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Current RCP license in the state of practice.
• Current RN or LPN license in the state of practice.
• Respiratory care, emergency care, and intensive care experience.
• Must possess a valid and current driver license and auto insurance.
• Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• Strong knowledge of pulmonary function and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Experience with respiratory equipment.