Purpose:

Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, provides respiratory therapy services to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Defined responsibilities are performed in all patient populations and in all patient service areas.

Responsibilities:

• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information.
• Sets up and operates devices, such as 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.
• Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
• Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment functions safely and efficiently.
• 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.
• Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.
• Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
• Orders repairs when needed.
• Responds to all code situations.

*Performs other duties as assigned.
*Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.