Respiratory Therapist - Nursing Care Now

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to assist
with a patient's treatment program in accordance with federal guidelines and state practice acts.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Respiratory Therapist is expected to practice safe and ethical care within his/her scope as defined
by the State Regulatory Agency under the direction of the Respiratory Department Head. The
Respiratory Therapist should understand his/her own limitations, seeking advice and assistance when
necessary. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Assesses patients and recommends respiratory therapy treatments
• Doctor recommends respiratory therapy treatments
• Plans, prepares and administers respiratory therapy treatments including IPPB, aerosol, chest
physical therapy, incentive spirometry, and sputum inductions, in accordance with established policies
and procedures
• Performs diagnostic pulmonary and cardiac tests
• Inspects, tests, maintains and operates respiratory therapy equipment
• Responds to “code blue” calls and assist by maintaining the patient’s airway and performs CPR
• Instructs respiratory technicians
• Patient care documentation is timely, legible, and efficient.
• Notes are concise, pertinent and meet departmental documentation standards.
• Oral reporting is clear, concise, relevant, and timely.
• Utilize resources and materials in an efficient and safe manner
• Performs all duties promptly in a competent and caring manner
• Present a neat appearance and dress in compliance with the client facilities’ policies
• While on assignment, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible and accountable to their assigned
patients and to the client institution. The Respiratory Therapist is under the direct supervision of the
Department Head or other assigned personnel and must have the ability to follow directions/instruction
from his/her supervisor