Pulmonary Disease Navigator

Tufts Medicine•Boston, MA

63d•$35 - $43

About The Position

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical or cognitive impairment. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Respiratory Therapy duties: Evaluates patients and helps them improve physical and mental conditions through treating cardiopulmonary related dysfunction. A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. An experienced level role requiring basic knowledge of job procedures and tools obtained through work experience and requiring vocational or technical education. Works under moderate supervision, works through problems of a routine nature, but may at times require interpretation or deviation from standard procedures and communicates information that requires some explanation or interpretation. This position performs a variety of roles that focus on providing support, education, and care coordination to patients with pulmonary disease. Works with the multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, case managers, social workers, and other support services to assist pulmonary patients and their families through the continuum of care from admission to their transition home. This role plays an important role in ensuring patients understand their treatment plan, supporting the patient's transition home, and coordinating follow-up needs to help prevent a decline in the patient's condition.

Requirements

Associate's degree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.
Massachusetts Respiratory Care Licensure.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
Pulmonary Disease Educator Certification OR Obtain within six (6) months of hire.
Three (3) year of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Medical terminology, physiology of the cardiopulmonary system, and Respiratory Science.
Ability to communicate effectively with all professional staff as well as all patients.
Ability to assess patient status and develop treatment plans.
Ability to perform all required duties under emergency and stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Care, Health Sciences, or related degree.
Five (5) years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

Responsibilities

Evaluates patients admitted with the following primary diagnoses: COPD, COPD Exacerbation, Respiratory Failure, Asthmatic Bronchitis, Status Asthmaticus and Asthma Exacerbation to determine the need for education and follow up.
Assists Continuity of Care with Respiratory orders for discharge.
Collaborates with the care team to provide a plan of care including, but not limited to: COPD action plan and education in the areas of smoking cessation, medications, oxygen therapy, delivery device training, advanced care planning, pulmonary rehabilitation and diagnostic testing.
Provides materials appropriate for patient's educational level/special needs including disease overview, triggers, medication schedule and side effects, correct metered dose inhaler technique, self-management skills, action plans, smoking cessation and referrals to Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Function Lab, if appropriate.
Performs patient follow up calls.
Maintains statistical data on COPD and Asthma admissions and readmissions, including disease specific length of stay, 30-day readmission rate, opportunities for improvement and barriers to optimal outcomes.
Participates in the continuous quality improvement process.

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