The licensed and credentialed Respiratory Therapist responsible for performing duties and tasks of a respiratory care practitioner. Upon the request of the physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness

- Explains to resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment

- Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatric stages of development

- Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/intervention

- Conducts physician prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer, with respect to the respiratory system of the resident

- Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning, in order to mobilize secretions and mucus int eh lungs to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system

- Performs set up, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident's respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation

- Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

- Performs pulmonary functions studies determines the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system.

- Maintains and records daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, and ventilator weaning logs.