Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2021-2022 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Technical Standards / Functions : In addition to the technical standards for the Health Professions , the following essential functions are required of all students in the Respiratory Care Program . Respiratory therapists are responsible for the care of patients , some of whom are critically ill . They are often required to manage highly complex pieces of equipment , as well as interact with patients in order to make diagnostic and therapeutic assessments . Respiratory therapists must also be able to communicate with other health care professionals and respect privacy and confidentiality of patient data , information and communication . Therefore , in order to be successful in the respiratory care program , all applicants must be able to perform , learn and / or adhere to the following essential functions : * Spend much of the day traveling between patient rooms , various care areas and the respiratory care department * Move and position bedridden patients * Perform physically demanding tasks ; such as : chest physiotherapy , chest compression , movement of life support equipment and technology * communicate effectively with patients and staff * Use a stethoscope to assess breath sounds , hear normal levels of speech of patients and staff and respond to alarms * Apply sufficient intellectual and emotional skills in order to plan and exercise independent judgment and to respond quickly to medical emergencies . * Accurately measure medication , read patient records , evaluate information displayed on patient monitors and make observations of patients as required for respiratory care * Manipulate small pieces of equipment and perform such tasks as arterial puncture and endotracheal intubations
Compliance Requirements and Clearances : All candidates accepted into the Respiratory Care Program must have documented proof of the following additional requirements prior to clinical courses : * Certificate of health from a nurse practitioner or a family physician is necessary . Completed health forms are submitted to the Campus Health Office before classes begin in the fall or at least 2 weeks before clinical begins . Students without completed health forms will not be permitted in any clinical site . * Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR ) Certification or re-certification is required before beginning clinical education experiences in any health care facility . Copies must be submitted to the Director of Clinical Education and placed in the student ’ s file . * Health Insurance Coverage : Students must carry health insurance while in the Respiratory Care Program . This health insurance can be obtained through the University if the student does not have personal coverage . Confirmation of health insurance coverage must be submitted to the university by the beginning of each academic year . * All students enrolled in the Program are required to carry liability insurance and this coverage is provided through the University . * Child Abuse History Clearance : All students enrolled in the Program are required to have a Child Abuse History Clearance . This is accomplished by completing a Child Abuse History Clearance Form . Instructions to obtain the form will be provided by the Director of Clinical Education at the time of the orientation to clinical . Students are responsible for the cost of the Child Abuse History Clearance . * Criminal Background Check : All students enrolled in the Respiratory Care Program are required to have a criminal background check performed . Information related to criminal background checks
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