Technical Standards

The process of actively conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered as a guide to belief and action.

Examples

• Must be able to use problem solving skills in clinical situations.
• Must be able to evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory therapy interventions.
• Must be able to apply the scientific method in developing a plan of care for patients.

To make reasonable judgements by considering the importance and benefits of data responsibly.

Examples

• Uses mental ability to assess patients’ condition, formulate a Plan of Care & select appropriate condition/recovery.
• Uses higher level of mental faculties accompanied by short & long-term memory.
• Performs numerical operations using basic counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing.
• Perform complex quantitative calculations or reasoning using algebra, geometry, statistics or abstract symbols.

The ability to communicate effectively with medical personnel, patients, and family using varied means.

Examples

• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the health care team through oral, written, and interpersonal means.
• Must be able to obtain information, describe patient situations, and perceive both oral and nonverbal communication.
• Must be able to speak, comprehend, read and write in English at a level that meets the need for accurate, clear and effective communication (examples include, but are not limited to: giving clear oral reports, reading watches or clocks with second hands, reading graphs, reading and understanding documents printed in English, writing legibly in English).

To act purposefully, effectively and responsibly to reflect a profession and professional person.

Examples

• Uses interpersonal skills such as seeing, hearing and speaking to develop positive interactions with patients, families, staff, physicians and/or customers.

Physical and functional senses must be sufficient enough to provide patient care, monitor and assess health needs, and to maintain a safe environment.

Examples

• Must have sufficient strength and mobility to work effectively and safely with patients and carry out related care; examples include but are not limited to: lifting and positioning patients, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, preparation and administration of medications (aerosol, hanging IV bags at shoulder height), reading chest drainage fluid collection devices below bed level, application of pressure to stop bleeding, clearing/opening an obstructed airway, movement from room to room.
• Must be able to complete assigned periods of clinical practice, including up to 12-hour shifts.
• Must be able to respond at a speed sufficient to carry out patient assignments within the allotted time

The action of observing something or someone carefully in order to gain information.

Examples

• Must be able to observe a patient accurately (examples include, but are not limited to: listening to heart and breath sounds; visualizing the appearance of a surgical wound; detecting bleeding, unresponsiveness or other changes in patient status; detecting the presence of foul odor; palpating the thorax & abdomen; detecting changes in skin color or condition; collect data from recording equipment and measurement devices used in patient care; detect fire in clinical area and initiate emergency action).
• Must be able to detect and respond to emergency situations, including audible alarms (examples include, but are not limited to monitors, call bells, fire alarms, emergency alarms).

The working environment and existing circumstances affecting labor in the workplace.

Examples

Varied frequency of working conditions may include:

• Bloodborne Pathogens /  Blood or Bodily Fluids
• Communicable Diseases
• Needles/Other Sharp Objects
• X-ray/Radiation
• Computer Monitor
• Confined Spaces
• Dust/Fumes/Gases
• Potential Electric Shock

An aspect of working conditions referencing the environment and circumstances affecting physical aspects of labor in the workplace.

Examples

• Very light physical work at desk or counter level with intermittent periods of sitting, standing and walking. May involve data entry, telephone work, or use of various office equipment.
• May involve light physical exertion due to pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting weights up to 20 lbs.
• Physical exertion involving pushing, pulling, and lifting weights up to 20 lbs. May require prolonged standing and/or walking during which time objects are transported. May require occasional bending, squatting or reaching.
• Hand/eye coordination needed to give injections, use computers, and other equipment.