Registered Respiratory Therapist

Department of Veterans Affairs

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) at the full performance level are responsible for independently administering treatment to ambulatory, non-ambulatory and critically ill patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty.

• Major duties include but not limited to: Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary care team in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive patient respiratory care services. Acts as a full performance Registered Respiratory Therapist and resource to certified, novice, and developmental level respiratory therapists. Demonstrates independence in the specialty of Respiratory Care and practices respiratory therapy according to guides set forth by professional standards by the AARC or NBRC. Performs respiratory care utilizing evidence-based practices and references national guidelines. Precepts and mentors' new hires and students for clinical development when needed within VHA. Maintains and monitors ventilator patients as required per guidelines and make the necessary adjustments based on blood gas analysis with the physician's approval. Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators, end tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen delivery devices, re- breathers, HFNC, IPV and pulse oximetry monitors. Evaluates patients for fluid overload, recommends treatment modality via evidence based practices and takes physician verbal orders and transcribe appropriately. Administers a variety of therapeutic respiratory medications in a timely and safe manner according to physician orders, recommendations of drug conversions, and institutes national protocols when necessary. Assists physicians in placing advanced artificial airways into patients as required. During cardiac arrests, initiates artificial ventilation using mouth-to-mask techniques or a manual ventilation bag to restore patient's heartbeat, maintain ventilation and stabilizes artificial airway. During transport of patients, maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary. Administers oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy via vest, flutter valve and PEP therapy. Performs arterial gas blood sampling from radial and brachia! sites utilizing heparin syringe for transport to the Lab for analysis or at bedside with iStat and assesses for positive Allen's test prior to obtaining an ABG. Collects, and interprets arterial, venous blood gas samples, and utilizes related respiratory guidelines to direct patient care. Reports critical lab values to Physicians, makes the appropriate changes to patient care and correctly documents all values pertaining to arterial blood gases, electrolytes, venous gas and capillary blood gas samples in a timely manner. Responsible for calculation of respiratory diagnostics alveolar oxygen difference or index, dead space, and patient plateau pressure etc. Assists with in house transportation of critically ill mechanical ventilated patients with artificial airways or unstable non-invasive patients classifying as high acuity in care. Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists and nursing personnel relative to the types of treatments given, various types of medications used, and the set up and operation of respiratory equipment including the necessary cleaning and safety precautions. Manages and calibrates complex respiratory mechanical equipment such as ventilators and analyzers to assure accurate performance. Provides patient and family education when necessary, pertaining to smoking cessation, tracheostomy suctioning, stoma care, oxygen use and hazards etc. Provides equipment set up and cleaning, intraoperative assistance, and processing of all clinical specimens in the performance of fiber optic bronchoscopies. Assists physician in performing bronchoscopy procedures and labeling specimens after collection. Performs pulmonary function studies and bed side diagnostics as required. These may include spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, NIF, PEFR, and bronchial provocation testing. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0800-1700 Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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