RESPIRATORY THERAPIST CLASS PURPOSE To provide respiratory care services to clients; consult with medical and direct care staff regarding therapy techniques and procedures; perform related work. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. Evaluation. Typical responsibilities: reviews client chart for new orders or changes in condition; performs respiratory assessments on clients; provides respiratory therapy as ordered by physicians; administers medication such as inhalation treatments or nebulizers; monitors treatment regimes; coordinates activities with other medical service providers; records treatment and other related client data on medical chart; develops, revises and updates client evaluations for individual program plans. 2. Equipment. Typical responsibilities: maintains and cleans respiratory equipment; determines equipment disposal or maintenance schedule; assembles equipment as necessary; assesses equipment utilization and needs; orders new equipment and supplies as needed; develops equipment budget. 3. Consultation. Typical responsibilities: provides consultation and technical assistance to staff and hospital committees; provides inservice training; develops and revises respiratory therapy policies and procedures. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Licensed in State as a Respiratory Therapist endorsed by the State Board of Medicine prior to appointment. (To be eligible for State licensure one must either be a Registered Respiratory Therapist or a Certified Respiratory Care Technician with the National Board of Respiratory Care, Incorporated.) Physical ability to: stand for up to five hours in an eight-hour shift; lift clients weighing up to 50 pounds; bend over patient beds; push clients in wheelchairs up to 500 yards.