Registered Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist Duties

The incumbent must demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the duties within the scope of respiratory care. A respiratory therapist may also be assigned additional duties-both major and minor-that are not listed below. Responsibilities may evolve to reflect current trends in respiratory therapy and to meet the cardiopulmonary needs of the patients served. Some, though not all, functions must be performed to be evaluated above the full-performance level.

Area I: Collection of Diagnostic Information

A. Pulmonary Function Technology

• Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results.
• Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing, and diaphragm stimulation) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results.

B. Sleep

• Compare and evaluate the indications and contraindications for sleep studies.
• Explain results in relation to types of respiratory sleep disorders.

C. Invasive Diagnostic Procedures

• Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards and complications in preparation, performance, and post-care of bronchoscopy procedures.
• Describe the role of a respiratory therapist in diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices.
• Perform arterial sampling for blood analysis.

Area II: Disease Management

A. Management of Chronic Diseases

• Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities.
• Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients.
• Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans according to RCD policy.

B. Management of Acute Diseases

• Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines.
• Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients.
• Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans according to RCD policy.

Area III: Evidence-Based Medicine and Respiratory Care Protocols

A. Evidence-Based Medicine

• Retrieve credible sources of evidence.
• Critique published research.
• Explain the meaning of general statistical tests.
• Apply evidence-based medicine to clinical practice.

B. Respiratory Care Protocols

• Explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital-based respiratory care protocols.
• Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols.

Area IV: Patient Assessment

A. Patient Assessment

• Complete the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members.
• Obtain medical, surgical, and family history.
• Obtain social, behavioral, and occupational history, and other historical information incident to the purpose of the current complaint.

B. Diagnostic Data

• Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry.
• Review and interpret lung volumes and diffusion studies.
• Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests.

C. Physical Examination:

• Inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies.
• Measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate).
• Evaluate the patient's breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles.
• Measure and document oxygen saturation with oximetry under all appropriate conditions (with or without oxygen at rest and during sleep, ambulation, and exercise).

Area V: Leadership

A. Incumbent must be able to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated respiratory care program and recommend improvements based on evaluation of facility operations.

B. Knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care.

C. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization.