Respiratory Therapist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Administers standardized prescribed respiratory therapy services to patients in a hospital, nursing home or health related facility.  The incumbent does related work as required and as pursuant to the New York State Educational Law pertaining to Respiratory Therapist.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves responsibility for administering the standardized types of respiratory therapy including oxygen, therapeutic and medicinal gases, mist-inhalation and aerosolized drugs to hospitalized patients.  The work is performed from medical orders issued by a licensed physician under general direction of a higher ranking technician or therapist, pursuant to the regulations set forth in the NYS Licensure Act of 1993 for Respiratory Therapist, with little leeway allowed for exercise of independent judgment in carrying out technical details of the work.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Sets up, positions and operates various types of oxygen, therapeutic gas and mist-inhalation equipment, such as tents, masks, catheters, cannulae and incubators to administer prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs to patients;
• Confers with patients and explains treatment and breathing procedures to allay fears and anxieties associated with the therapy;
• Prepares and positions patients, places and fits face mask, arranges tent or hood, or tapes cannulae or catheter in position;
• Prepares medications according to prescription and adds to equipment, adjusts equipment to regulate pressure of oxygen and other inhalants, breathing cycle and ratio of inhalant to air;
• May operate intermittent positive pressure breathing apparatus to deliver medicinal gases and drugs in aerosolized mist to patients;
• Observed patients during therapy and notifies superiors of any adverse reactions;
• Visits respiratory therapy patients frequently to insure that physician’s orders are being carried out and apparatus is operating properly;
• Disassembles, cleans and sterilizes equipment and makes inspections and tests to insure proper operating conditions;
• Maintains adequate supplies of oxygen and other gases and takes inventories of respiratory therapy equipment;
• Prepares a variety of records and reports.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of the current methods, equipment, applications and limitations of respiratory therapy; good knowledge of safety standards used in the application of resuscitation equipment, oxygen, aerosol medication and other equipment used in respiratory therapy; working knowledge of the respiratory system, its normal functions and common malfunctions; working knowledge of the physiological effects of various respiratory therapy gases and gaseous mixtures on the human body including the lungs, heart, blood, nervous system and brain; ability to communicate calmly and reassuringly with people under stress; ability to keep records and make reports; good motor and eye coordination; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Possession of a valid license and current registration (or valid temporary permit) issued by the New York State Education Department as a Respiratory Therapist.