National

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Sample of reported job titles: Respiratory Therapist (RT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services, Respiratory Therapy Director, Staff Respiratory Therapist

Tasks

• Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
• Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
• Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
• Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
• Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
• Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
• Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
• Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures and related duties.
• Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.

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Tools & Technology

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