Scope of Practice

       

Level of services provided:

 

Scope and Complexity: The Respiratory Care Department cares for all patient age groups in all stages of diseases. The department assists patients with many different types of breathing disorders and problems.

Diagnostic Services: - obtaining sputum specimens, blood for arterial blood gases and electrolytes, assist with bronchoscopy procedures, bedside pulmonary function testing, oximetry, capnography and metabolic cart measurements.

Treatment - the department initiates and maintains all patients supported with mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, other types of gas therapies, and administers aerosol drugs.  The department assists all Lifeflight patients from the Helipad to the emergency department when they have an artificial airway in place.  Routinely transport all mechanically ventilated patients in the hospital when they have to leave their intensive care unit, or when these patients are transferred to a local hospital.

Education - the department provides vital information to patients in helping them manage their disease/illness and wellness promotion. The Respiratory Care Department at Vanderbilt Medical Center operates as a teaching department. We provide clinical rotations to students all across the country. Our respiratory therapists perform at the highest levels within their clinical practice. 

Staffing: - Hours of operation - 24 hours, 7 days per week, 365 days/year.

We pride ourselves on our practice and perform some of the most difficult procedures within our scope of practice. The respiratory department provides their expertise to multiple areas of the hospital.  

Below are a few of the areas that our Respiratory Care Department provides coverage for:

Standards and Guidelines for Service: - All clinical staff are credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care and have Registered Respiratory Therapist license.

Assessment and Planning: The Respiratory Care Department utilizes a detailed procedure manual for procedures performed, that has been approved by the medical directors of the respiratory care department. We have monthly meetings which allow staff to obtain CRCE's.  We also communicate with the staff any changes, assess ongoing activities, and plan for the future during these meetings.