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This position acts as a role model, resource and coach to the Respiratory Staff, physicians and ancillary departments. This position is expected to integrate the respiratory care of the patient with other care providers to achieve desired results. They are responsible for the proper documentation of all patient records and department logs. In addition, they are responsible for keeping abreast of technological advances in applicable areas and are well versed in appropriate clinical applications.
The Respiratory Specialist is accountable for the assessment, planning, implementation of care, and evaluation of Neonatal, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric patients and families. They must demonstrate the ability to work with patient’s physical, motor/sensory adaptation, cognitive and psychosocial needs specific to the population being served, and meet standards of quality as measured by the Unit/Department age specific competencies.
“Respiratory Care” means the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control and care of persons with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. The Respiratory Specialist has the authority to perform and evaluate respiratory care, initiate CPR, contact physicians, and perform all activities as assigned.
Continuous comprehensive mental effort is required to provide optimal safe patient care and the same mental effort is required when interacting with internal and external contacts, exercising judgments, and making decisions.
Neonatal / Pediatric Specialist (NPS): primarily work with high risk newborn/pediatric patients in the Intensive Care Nursery and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The Respiratory Specialist may be required to interact with staff in outlying hospitals either as a member of the maternal child health transport team or as a regional referral center information source. The Respiratory Care Neonatal / Pediatric Specialist is responsible for helping with transport coverage to include last minute scheduling to ensure transport coverage at all times. This position holds a board certification in Neonatal / Pediatric Specialist from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Adult Critical Care Specialists (ACCS): primarily work with high risk adult patients in the Adult Intensive Care Units, Shock/Trauma Resuscitation Rooms and Emergency Departments. This position holds a board certification in Adult Critical Care from the NBRC.
Pulmonary Rehab Specialist: are accountable and responsible for the performance of pulmonary rehabilitation. They work in a broad program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic (ongoing) breathing problems. At pulmonary rehabilitation the Pulmonary Rehab Specialist will work with a large interdisciplinary team to help improve the physical condition of patients through exercise, education, and support. This position holds Pulmonary Rehab Program Certification through The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
Pulmonary Function Test Specialists (PFT): are accountable and responsible for the performance of pulmonary function examinations. The Pulmonary Function Test Specialists are required to function as a professional resource person to pulmonary physicians, physicians in training, other medical staff, management, and nursing, regarding the performance, documentation, and interpretation of pulmonary function testing. This position holds a board certification in Pulmonary Function Testing. (Registered Pulmonary Function Technician – RPFT.)
Clinical Specialists: function in specialty roles throughout the network. They function as super-users for Heliox, Nitric Oxide, and Flolan administration and are trained to assist in the performance of diagnostic bronchoscopies. In addition, they are required to demonstrate advanced skill and competency in ventilation modalities, perform in-services, and complete multiple other competency requirements outlined in the Respiratory Clinical Specialist competency data sheet.
COPD / Asthma Education Specialist: provide comprehensive education to patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or Asthma. They utilize written education materials along with educational aides such as handouts, lung models, and videos as deemed appropriate. When applicable they provide referrals for pulmonary rehabilitation and pulmonary function testing. They act as a liaison to physicians and discharge planners to ensure proper length of stay, adequate education and safe discharge. They provide follow-up care to answer questions and ensure appointments with primary care physicians are completed. In addition, they keep meticulous records to ensure patient continuity of care. This position has completed the AARC Pulmonary Disease Educator Course.
Patient Education includes:
• normal lung anatomy & physiology
• physiologic changes caused by COPD
• medication classifications
• the patient’s specific medication: what, when, where, how and why they take it (Action Plan)
• recognizing the exacerbation vs. ‘bad day’ (Rescue Plan)
• pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise
• smoking cessation
• oxygen use
The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.
This position does provide direct patient care.
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