Registered Respiratory Therapist

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Registered Respiratory Therapist is a respiratory care practitioner who is employed under medical direction in the treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities, of the cardio/pulmonary system.

• The Respiratory Therapist will function as a member of the medical team in treating and assessing the needs of individuals who may be seriously ill and provide around the clock care to individuals who otherwise would not be able to survive life-threatening conditions. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Reviews, collects and evaluates relevant clinical data to validate therapy modalities used. Consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals to create patient care plans based on complexity of diagnosis to ensure positive patient treatments. Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment and uses alternative modes of treatment and complex respiratory care when necessary, including medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. Communicates orally and in writing, changes, adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team members. Manages and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. Provides effective education and training to patients, students and co-workers as appropriate. Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Monitors critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, including home ventilators and COPD case management. Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities. Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment. May serve as therapist-in-charge when assigned and/or in the absence of the Chief of Respiratory Care. Promotes a customer-centered environment, taking personal responsibility for problem solving and effective courteous communication with patients, their families, medical staff, students and co-workers. Provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cultural, cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Utilize computer-based technologies, software and programs. Performs home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluation and ordering, patient instructions on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21S69-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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