Recommends changes in respiratory care plans based on documented medical necessity and established protocols. Instructs and coaches patients before, during, and after treatment delivery, preventing and resolving side effects. Adjusts therapies according to protocol and documented clinical criteria, using data such as pulse oximetry, peak flow measurement, chest x-ray, and lab work. Serves as a resource to staff, providing training and instruction to cardiopulmonary and other staff, and supervising student preceptorship programs. Initiates and maintains mechanical ventilation, determining ventilator mode and settings and reevaluating patient/ventilator interface every four hours. Draws and analyzes arterial blood gases, places arterial lines, and makes or recommends changes in respiratory management based on blood gas results. Responds to emergencies, establishing and maintaining airways and performing CPR. Operates as support staff for cardiopulmonary diagnostics, performing cardiac stress testing, setting up and discontinuing holter monitors, electrocardiograms, pulmonary function testing, and electroencephalograms per facility needs. Provides assistance with additional services such as conscious sedation, broncho thermaplasty, bedside bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, navigational bronchoscopy, and trans-radial band removal per facility needs. Maintains a supportive atmosphere conducive to quality care, department growth, staff development, and high morale. Supervises the delivery of cardiopulmonary care in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. Monitors patient progress by ensuring effective therapist assessment and reassessment. Other duties as assigned.