Respiratory Nurse/Pulmonary Care Nurse

A respiratory nurse specializes in treating patients with lung conditions. Some of these conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, emphysema (lung cancer), and respiratory failure. Respiratory nurses not only provide care, but they also educate patients about techniques and habits that lead to or detract from lung health.

Respiratory nurses work with patients of all ages to promote good lung health. They teach healthy breathing and exercise methods, and they counsel patients about the dangers tobacco poses to healthy lungs. They form close bonds with doctors in the community in order to teach individuals, families, and the community at large how to prevent lung damage and the spread of lung conditions. Because lung issues are largely preventable, respiratory nurses work hard to ensure that important health information is communicated with the public.

Many patients suffering from lung conditions are placed on ventilators or oxygen machines to assist them with breathing. Respiratory nurses not only operate and implement the use of these machines, but they also make it a goal to help patients function without dependence upon them. Respiratory nurses also administer medications and counsel patients on their use.

Respiratory nurses usually work in hospital settings, but many also offer home visits. Because a large part of their job is to educate the public, they often go out into the field, including visiting community health clinics, schools, and nursing homes. Because of this, they may have to travel and/or have some irregular work hours.

What Does a Pulmonary Care Nurse Do?

The nursing field has many specialties related to different parts of the human body. This is because oftentimes, different organs come with their own set of delicate and complex characteristics and therefore demand specialized expertise and skills. Pulmonary care, which is the care of the lungs and respiratory system, is no exception. Pulmonary care nurses work with patients who have respiratory problems, such as tuberculosis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. These diseases can be caused by things such as working in poorly ventilated conditions or smoking, though other causes exist as well. Pulmonary care nurses can work in hospitals with patients or in private clinics and homes to assist patients with pain management from conditions like emphysema or lung cancer. Many nurses also deal with counseling the patient and the patient's loved ones, especially when it comes to helping the patient come to terms with a lung cancer or cystic fibrosis diagnosis.