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Provides all modes of respiratory therapy to hospital patients in critical and non-critical care units.

Advises and provides technical guidance to Respiratory Therapist A’s and Respiratory Therapy Technicians. General supervision is provided by a Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, and medical direction is provided by a physician.

The work involves the performance of all modes of respiratory therapy for a regularly assigned patient load. Draws arterial blood samples and performs blood gas determinations; places patients on ventilators and makes appropriate equipment adjustments; performs bedside pulmonary function studies. Selects, reviews and interprets patient data. Selects appropriate respiratory equipment, assembles as required, and insures proper functioning. Initiates, conducts, and modifies prescribed therapeutic procedures.

Evaluates the effectiveness of therapy on the patient and recommends changes to the attending physician. This aspect of the work requires that other treatments provided the patient be analyzed as to the potential effect on the respiratory therapy.

Serves as the primary consultant to physicians concerning respiratory therapy provided to assigned patients. Participates as a member of the health care team providing various treatments or services to a patient. Frequent contact with physicians, nurses, and other hospital personnel is involved.

Knowledge of respiratory therapy patient care procedures and equipment including blood gas analysis, pulmonary function studies, and emergency treatments. Knowledge of various patient care treatments and the potential impact on respiratory therapy. Skill in operating respiratory therapy equipment. Ability to provide guidance to less qualified therapists and technicians and to work with physicians, nurses, and other hospital personnel. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.

Graduation from a two-year program for respiratory therapy and experience in the administering of respiratory therapy treatments. Registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care Incorporated is preferred. A combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for the education requirement. Title 54.1, Section 2400 and Section 2954 requires the certification, registration or licensure of Respiratory Therapists.