The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is assigned to the Pulmonary section within DHSM (Hospital and Specialty Medicine Division). The RRT serves as a member of the care team and provides care for ICU and inpatient veterans. The RRT may provide education to patients and trains physicians, nurses and other clinical staff on the use of respiratory therapy equipment. The RRT is knowledgeable of the more complex procedures related to the care of patients with respiratory issues. The specific assignments of the RRT are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. 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. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Major duties will include, but are not limited to: Perform the following procedures with proficiency and confidence under minimal supervision: Oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy; Implement adult mechanical ventilation using the PB980, LTV 1000/1200, Astral and other ventilators; Maintain, adjust, and monitor patients on a ventilator; Wean long-term ventilator patients; Performs weaning parameters on patients being weaned off a ventilator( Following the Ventilator Liberation protocol ); Implement Acute and Chronic NIPPV set-up and use(Respironics V60, Home NIPPV devices CPAP, Auto CPAP, BIPAP, Auto Bipap; Implement HHFNC (Heated High Flow Nasal Cannula) therapy. Incumbent will read and review the patient's chart and evaluate physician's orders for respiratory therapy. Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and postural drainage therapy/positioning, noting effectiveness of therapy or perform Flutter Value. Administer aerosolized medications as prescribed in the physician's order while following hospital policy regarding the administration of medication(s) (BCMA). Perform Arterial Blood gas analysis by: Performing an Arterial Blood Gas draw to obtain blood specimen from Radial or Brachial artery; Must have basic understanding of blood gas and acid base interpretation; Consult with superiors and/or physicians on blood gas results and make recommendations for best course of action for the patient. Respond to emergencies, make assessments, and implement proper actions and judgments. Perform bedside pulmonary function testing as required. Perform all Respiratory Therapy tasks using aseptic techniques/universal precautions to provide best care available to the patient. Follows established VAC (Ventilator Associated Complications) and ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) protocols and documents in CPRS/ICIP. Transport patients as needed to special procedures including but not limited to MRI or CT Work with the student(s)for the shift (day/night) and accept responsibility for the supervising work completed by the RT student(s). Direct supervision will be maintained at all times when patient care is being provided by the RT student(s). Staff respiratory therapist's experiencing any issue(s) with the student(s) will directly reported the nature of the identified issue to the supervisor of inpatient respiratory care services. Work Schedule: Mon-Sun, 5:00AM-5:30PM or 5:00PM-5:30AM plus on call Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
