Respiratory Therapist

Job Purpose:

Assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.

Job Responsibilities:

• Meets patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.

• Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and supports life by administering inhalants; operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.

• Administers respiratory therapy treatments by performing bronchopulmonary drainage; assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by aides, technicians and assistants.

• Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending adjustments and modifications.

• Completes discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences.

• Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs.

• Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.

• Maintains patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential.