Definition
Performs respiratory therapy duties including set up and operation of various types of oxygen equipment; pulmonary function testing, cardiorespiratory rehabilitation, infection control, isolation procedures, and cardiopulmonary drug administration; performs related duties as required.
The work examples and competencies listed below are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.
Work Examples
Administers respiratory therapy to patients with varied cardiorespiratory diseases; corrects and adjusts equipment to provide maximum comfort, safety and effective therapy.
Administers aerosolized cardiopulmonary medications such as steroids, antibiotics, bronchodilators, enzymes, mucolytics, detergents, wetting agents and anti-foments.
Implements infection control including the use of aseptic techniques such as isolation procedures and the handling of contaminated equipment.
Maintains and operates respiratory equipment such as oxygen administration equipment, positive pressure breathing machines, volume limited ventilators, humidifiers, heated nebulizers and their accessories.
Performs airway management, expired gas analysis and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required.
Obtains arterial blood samples for blood gas determinations and/or calculation of other data by using an appropriate blood gas analyzer; performs maintenance, and calibration to insure proper functioning of the blood gas analyzer.
Consults with physicians in relation to the technical aspects of respiratory care and to the hospital staff regarding the safe and effective methods for administering respiratory therapy.
Observes and reports clinical therapy administered and patient reactions to provide documentation of services.
Prepares charge slips for inhalants, equipment used and special services rendered; records cost of materials and equipment used and charges to patients.
Competencies Required
Knowledge of respiratory therapy techniques required for various cardio respiratory diseases.
Knowledge of aseptic techniques such as isolation procedures and handling of contaminated equipment.
Knowledge of the maintenance, set up and adjustment procedures for various types of respiratory therapy equipment such as pressure breathing machines, volume limited ventilators, humidifiers, heated nebulizers, blood gas analyzers, and their accessories.
Knowledge of the use and administration of cardiopulmonary medications such as steroids, antibiotics, bronchodilators, enzymes, mucolytics, and anti-foments.
Knowledge of the procedures for performing airway management, expired gas analysis, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Knowledge of the documentation procedures required to document patient reactions and services.
Ability to react quickly and perform work competently in stressful and critical situations.
Ability to interact effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff.
Ability to perform the work assignments independently with a minimal amount of supervision.
Ability to apply personal ethical standards such as honesty, responsibility and trustworthiness required to be a productive employee.
Ability to meet customer needs in a consistently helpful and courteous manner.
Ability to work cooperatively with others as part of a team.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.
Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
A license or temporary license to practice respiratory care as issued by the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care;
OR
graduation from an approved respiratory care training program. Graduates may work up to one year as a "respiratory care practitioner licensure applicant" prior to being licensed.