RC 128 - Clinical Practice II

• General Objectives:
  • demonstrate an understanding of the role of the respiratory therapist in the clinical setting;
  • demonstrate good working relations in functioning as a member of the health care team;
  • demonstrate professional behavior and judgment in terms of appearance, attitudes and conduct with staff and patients;
  • demonstrate professional responsibility in terms of attendance and punctuality;
  • demonstrate effective communication skills in dealing with staff and patients;
  • demonstrate good patient care skills and rapport in establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with patients;
  • describe the structure and function of a respiratory care department;
  • describe the organization of patient care areas and function of equipment observed; and
  • follow infection control guidelines as outlined in our professional clinical guidelines as well as hospital regulations.

The student will be expected to demonstrate continued competence in all Clinical Practice I objectives:

• Performance and Knowledge Objectives for Clinical Practice I:
  • demonstrate appropriate use of compressed gas cylinders including air, oxygen, heliox, nitric oxide, and any other medical gases used as a therapy;
  • demonstrate appropriate use of oxygen delivery devices including air/oxygen blenders, regulators and flowmeters, masks, cannulas, and enclosures;
  • demonstrate appropriate use of liquid oxygen systems;
  • demonstrate appropriate use of oxygen delivery during patient transport;
  • demonstrate an understanding of basic assessment for need of oxygen or other medically therapeutic gas;
  • demonstrate an understanding for the need and appropriate use of hyperinflation therapy;
  • demonstrate appropriate documentation of therapy; and
  • maintain asepsis regarding the above stated skills and clean, disinfect, and/or sterilize equipment.
• Performance and Knowledge Objectives for Clinical Practice II:
  • assemble a circuit and humidifier system for a mechanical ventilator;
  • demonstrate appropriate ability to set up and insure proper function of a mechanical ventilator;
  • demonstrate appropriate ability to place initial ventilator settings on the mechanical ventilator;
  • demonstrate appropriate ability to troubleshoot ventilator;
  • demonstrate and understand how to assess a patient for the need of bronchopulmonary hygiene;
  • demonstrate appropriate use of the various bronchopulmonary hygiene techniques currently used;
  • select and appropriate bronchopulmonary hygiene device based on patient need/desire;
  • demonstrate ability to appropriately suction a patient using both open and closed system methods; and
  • demonstrate ability in assisting an intubation procedure.