State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In a state hospital or institution, this class is accountable for performing diagnostic testing and administering a full range of respiratory therapy with emphasis on the more difficult procedures.

Receives limited supervision from a Respiratory Therapy Supervisor or other employee of higher grade.

Administers more difficult types of therapy (i.e. mechanical artificial ventilation) and various basic types of respiratory therapy (i.e. intermittent positive pressure breathing therapy) and aerosol, sputum induction and postural drainage treatments; records treatments on individual charts; sets up, operates and monitors all ventilatory support; performs diagnostic testing for cardiopulmonary pathology including blood gas analyses and pulmonary function testing; participates in resuscitative efforts; cleans, sterilizes, assembles and performs minor maintenance on therapeutic equipment; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of equipment, procedures, techniques and terminology used in respiratory therapy and related diagnostic testing; considerable technical knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology and pathology; interpersonal skills; considerable ability to work therapeutically with individuals; ability to prepare written reports.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and/or adjust equipment and individuals; may have some exposure to communicable and/or infectious diseases and uncooperative or abusive individuals; may be exposed to moderately disagreeable conditions.