Pulmonary/Respiratory Nurse

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Basic description

A pulmonary and respiratory nurse promotes pulmonary health for individuals, families, and communities, and cares for persons with pulmonary dysfunction throughout the patient’s life span. Respiratory nursing may be preventive, acute, critical, or rehabilitative. There are opportunities to work in hospitals, extended care centers, private companies, health departments, office practices, and clinics.

Educational requirements

Registered nurse preparation is required.

Core competencies/skills needed

■ Knowledge of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, and respiratory failure
■ Excellent patient and family relationships and teaching abilities
■ Team skills to work with other members of the health care team
■ Ability to deal with issues of grief and loss
■ Strong assessment skills
■ Knowledge of oxygen therapies, assisted ventilation, and suctioning
■ Patience for patient nonadherence to regimen and tobacco abuse
■ Ability to discuss smoking cessation techniques, ability to administer and teach pharmacological interventions

Related Web sites and professional organizations

■ Respiratory Nursing Society (www.respiratorynursingsociety.org)
■ American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (www.aacvpr.org)