Job Function:

• Ensures accurate and complete Physician prescription.
• Compares prescription requests with medical record order form and ensures information is complete.
• Clarifies any discrepancies with Physician and provides patient/significant other with respiratory education.
• Provides prescribed respiratory therapy.
• Performs vital capacity, inspiratory force and peak flow measurements; administers various oxygen concentrations, aerosol medication devices and mechanical ventilators; monitors oxygen supported ambulation; performs chest physical therapy (cupping and coughing); provides nasotracheal or artificial airway suctioning.
• Performs intubation and arterial blood gas puncture and delivers for analysis; documents all activities and patient outcomes/responses per policy and procedure.
• Maintains mechanical ventilators and respiratory therapy equipment.
• Tests ventilators for functioning of monitors, oxygen blenders, alarms and leaks.
• Conducts quick extended and/or short self-test on ventilators.