Respiratory Therapy Things to Know

Documentation of current immunizations for:

1. TB Test- TB Skin Test

• 2-step TB Test, if not tested in the last 12 months.
• Negative TB IGRA test, within last 12 months.
• New + TB results: F/U by health care provider (chest X-ray and symptoms check), may also need to complete health questionnaire for facilities.
• History of + TB results: Provide proof of chest X-ray (lifetime, except if symptomatic) and submit negative symptom check in past 12 months. If no proof of + TB Test, then re-test with 2-step TB test.
• History of BCG vaccination: Test with 2-step TB Test.

2. Hepatitis B

• Proof of immunity by vaccination in 3 doses AND titer.
• Negative titer: Must repeat vaccine series. Student will be allowed in clinical during repeat series.
• Considered a non-responder to vaccination after 2 complete vaccine series and negative titer.

3. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Proof of vaccination (2 doses) or proof of rubella, rubella, and mumps or proof of immunity by titer.

4. Varicella(Chicken Pox)

• Proof of vaccination (2 doses) or proof of immunity by titer.

5. Tetanus

• Vaccination for Tdap is required within the last 10 years.

6. Flu Vaccine

• Proof of seasonal vaccination

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(Provided as part of RC 175)

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7 hour course (Provided as part of RC 175)

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Required by clinical sites.

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Students will sign up for a criminal background check and immunization tracker package through Verified Credentials. Directions will be provided after acceptance into the program.

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It is the student's responsibility to arrange for dependable transportation to and from the clinical site. Some clinical rotations begin as early as 6 a.m., some may be evening or night shift, and may be 6-, 8-, or 12-hour shifts. Reliable child/dependent care is necessary.

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Respiratory therapy students must be able to display the medium strength rating, as described by the Dictionary for Occupational Titles, which reflects the ability to exert the following amounts of force to move objects:

• 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (occasionally: activity of condition exists up to 1/3 of the time)
• and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time)
• and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (constantly:activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time)

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Respiratory therapy students must be able to execute motor movements. Respiratory Therapy students must possess:

• The physical/dexterity strength to stand and ambulate
• The physical/dexterity strength to lift and transfer patients
• The physical strength to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Respiratory therapy procedures require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision. For this reason, candidates for admission to the Respiratory Therapy program must have manual dexterity and the ability to engage in procedures involving grasping, pushing, pulling, holding, manipulating, extending and rotating. Examples of such procedures would include, but not limited to:

• Draw venous and arterial blood
• Perform endotracheal suctioning
• Provide percussion and postural drainage for bronchial hygiene
• Perform manual resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac emergency
• Maintain and modify equipment in routine emergency situations
• Be able to move life support equipment in a rapid manner during a crisis situation
• Be sensitive to changes in pressure when performing emergency breathing with a manual resuscitator in the newborn and small infant as compared to the adult victim
• Possess tactile sensitivity required to perform arterial puncture on the newborn and small infant.

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Respiratory therapy students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory experiments as required in the curriculum. Respiratory therapy students must be able to observe patients and be able to obtain an appropriate medical history directly from the patient or guardian. Such observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, and other sensory modalities. Respiratory therapy students must have visual perception which includes depth and acuity.

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Respiratory therapy students must be able to:

• Communicate in English effectively and sensitively with patients.
• Communicate in English in oral and handwritten form with faculty, allied personnel, and peers in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
• Be sensitive to multicultural and multilingual needs.
• Complete written assignments and search and evaluate the literature.
• Maintain written records.
• Complete assessment exercises.
• Use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching.
• These skills must be performed in clinical settings, as well as the didactic and laboratory environments.

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Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to:

• Measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize data.
• Problem-solving and diagnosis, including obtaining, interpreting, and documenting data
• Learn to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information.
• These skills allow students to make proper assessments, sound judgments, appropriately prioritize therapeutic interventions, and measure and record patient care outcomes.

 

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Respiratory therapy students must:

• Demonstrate attributes of empathy, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation.
• Possess the emotional well-being required for use of their intellectual abilities, including the exercise of sound judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients.
• Be able to adapt to ever-changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and stresses which are inherent in the educational process, as well as the clinical problems of many patients.
• Be able to maintain professional conduct and appearance, maintain client confidentiality and operate within the scope of practice.
• Have the ability to be assertive, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and function as a part of a medical team.
• Possess organizational skills necessary to meet deadlines and manage time.

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