Instructions:
Rate your knowledge performing specific job-related tasks, knowledge skill or ability.
Tasks:
1. Provide therapeutic care by administering chest physical therapy (e.g., percussion, respiratory therapy) through the use of oxygen or compressed air, with or without nebulized pharmacological agents as directed by medical staff.
2. Test and measure respiratory dysfunction in patients with pulmonary disorders through spirometry to support overall patient health and wellness.
3. Provide assistance to conscious and unconscious patients as necessary and refer them to Emergency Room (ER), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or acute care hospitals as appropriate.
4. Provide therapeutic care for airways in patients with endotracheal tubes or tracheostomies to support overall patient health and wellness.
5. Observe patient reaction to respiratory care treatment and report any unusual occurrences to appropriate medical staff as necessary.
6. Assess patient response to treatments and modify treatments according to protocol as necessary to support overall patient health and wellness.
7. Provide training to patients in methods of improved breathing mechanics, practices, and bronchial hygiene to support overall patient health and wellness.
8. Provide training and support to nursing personnel in the use of positive pressure breathing apparatus and administering oxygen to patients to ensure efficient unit operations.
9. Assist in the identification of unit level nursing service training needs and in the provision of in-service training related to respiratory care.
10. Prepare reports for quality assurance reviews in order to comply with standards of reporting utilizing patient medical and respiratory treatment records as required by licensing agencies.
11. Ensure sufficient working equipment (e.g., breathing circuit bags, Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) machines, medical oxygen masks) to provide respiratory care to patients.
12. Coordinate the maintenance (i.e., repair, cleaning, culturing and upkeep) of respiratory equipment to facilitate standard of care and infection control in respiratory therapy by utilizing manufacture’s specifications.
13. Communicate with patients to obtain cooperation during care and intervene if necessary to avoid injuries or property damage to ensure the safety and security of self and others.
14. Recognize symptoms requiring respiratory attention and analyze situations quickly and accurately to apply effective action.
15. Assure adequate medical supplies and equipment are available to provide appropriate patient care by collaborating with vendors, facility procurement staff and appropriate health care services staff to meet the health care needs of the patient population.
16. Collaborate with interdisciplinary health care staff in the identification of transfer requirements, development and implementation of interventions in regards to respiratory care to support overall patient health and wellness.
17. Participate in quality improvement activities such as audits on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma to ensure efficient unit operations.
18. Intervene in instances of disruptive or assaultive behavior among patients, to ensure safety and well-being of self, patients and staff, using visual observation, safety training, and Personal Protection Equipment, as required by facility.
19. Facilitate sleep studies on patients to achieve Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and support overall patient health and wellness.
KSACPS:
1. Knowledge of procedures for evaluating pulmonary dysfunction (e.g., pulse oximetry, spirometry, respiratory pattern).
2. Knowledge of procedures for providing ventilatory assistance to conscious and unconscious individuals safely and effectively.
3. Knowledge of respiratory disorders and appropriate therapeutic methods and practices.
4. Knowledge of use and care of respiratory equipment (e.g., pulmonary function testing equipment) to provide quality patient care.
5. Knowledge of procedures (e.g., positioning, suctioning) for keeping an individual’s airway free from obstruction.
6. Knowledge of basic pathology of respiratory disorders and nursing care.
7. Knowledge of the characteristics of mental, emotional, physical and developmental disorders to provide effective treatment.
8. Knowledge of infection control procedures required for respiratory therapy in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
9. Knowledge of training methods, techniques, and training aides in order to effectively provide updated training to applicable staff.
10. Knowledge of computer usage (e.g. software programs, etc.) to maintain accurate records and retrieve patient records, communicate effectively, and contribute to the department’s needs.
11. Knowledge of methodologies and standard protocol for keeping sensitive data confidential and secure including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
12. Ability to perform various respiratory therapy procedures safely and effectively, apply emergency methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
13. Ability to employ appropriate tests and measures for evaluation of pulmonary dysfunction and to properly interpret results.
14. Ability to evaluate ongoing assessments and relay clinically relevant information to share with clinical and nursing staff.
15. Ability to observe clinical data and accurately record such data systematically.
16. Ability to organize and keep records of relevant materials (e.g., treatment plans, progress notes) and prepare appropriate repo