Registered Respiratory Therapist

Department of Veterans Affairs•Northport, NY

41d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist Position is located with the Specialty Service in Northport VAMC. The incumbent serves as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and performs her/his duties under the supervision of the Chief, Specialties. The RRT performs, within his/her scope of practice, diagnostic evaluations and engages in the teaching and treatment of patients including the most unusual and difficult cases requiring the highest levels of expertise and professional skills. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments 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. Lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Initially and continuously assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination, respiratory monitoring, and diagnostic equipment. Determines the effectiveness of the therapy being administered, communicates with physician, and suggests alternate modes of treatment as indicated. Performs airway and endo-tracheal tube care on patients with artificial airways, including cleaning and securing the trach and endotracheal tube site, in-line suctioning, monitoring tube cuff pressure and inspecting equipment and patient to insure proper function. Operates suction catheters attached to vacuum to remove secretions from patients' airways. Places nasal and oropharyngeal airways and performing nasal and tracheal suctioning. Refers to medical sciences duties while using respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Uses infrequently used respiratory equipment, procedures, and techniques when required. Sets up and monitors oxygen delivery devices such as cannulas, masks, t-adaptors, face tents, humidifiers and aerosols containing prescribed medication to patients using standard respiratory equipment. Skilled in assessment of oxygenation. Obtains arterial blood gas samples from patient using ABG kit, heparinized needle with syringe, and from Arterial Line. During transport of patients with artificial airways, maintain the patient's airway, ensure ventilation, monitor respiration and oxygen saturation, and performs manual ventilations or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation when necessary as per AHA guidelines. Perform patient clinical assessment, equipment setup, education and troubleshooting in areas of bronchial hygiene and lung expansion, home oxygen use, airway care, CPAP and Bi-Level machine and related equipment use, and COPD case management in the outpatient setting. Utilizes computer-based technologies, software and programs. Documents treatments, pre and post Tx. Assessment and results of various checks, tests, procedures, and education pertinent to patient care in CPRS, BCMA. Completes patient care as ordered in Respiratory Consult and closes consults. The Incumbent completes documentation in CliniComp, SharePoint and enters workload in Event Capture and others as directed by the Medical Center. Documents in the medical record, the results of patient and family education. Attends and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings where the overall needs of the patient are addressed. Communicates orally and in writing changes, adjustments, and recommendations with other healthcare team members. Able to communicate with courtesy, clarity, and care in all verbal and non-verbal messages with physicians, nurses, students, peers, and other staff members in order to support the healing of the patient. Provides inter- and intra-disciplinary in-services to other health care providers and students. Assists in orientation and training of new staff. Serve as a preceptor and monitors lower graded staff. Plan and conduct training sessions with hospital staff, patients, and family members. Assists in implementing solutions to technical and clinical work problems not covered by precedent or established procedures. Research and recommend based on the most current data for best practice. Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs and evaluation of existing programs, lead projects developing new policies, works on the Root Cause Analysis team in order to determine best practices for our medical center. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment. Maintains supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency. May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent service/section on medical center, network, or national committees. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means
Determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation
Monitor critical systems
Lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols
Assess the cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination, respiratory monitoring, and diagnostic equipment
Perform airway and endo-tracheal tube care on patients with artificial airways
Operate suction catheters attached to vacuum to remove secretions from patients' airways
Place nasal and oropharyngeal airways and performing nasal and tracheal suctioning
Set up and monitors oxygen delivery devices such as cannulas, masks, t-adaptors, face tents, humidifiers and aerosols containing prescribed medication to patients using standard respiratory equipment
Obtain arterial blood gas samples from patient using ABG kit, heparinized needle with syringe, and from Arterial Line
During transport of patients with artificial airways, maintain the patient's airway, ensure ventilation, monitor respiration and oxygen saturation, and performs manual ventilations or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation when necessary as per AHA guidelines
Perform patient clinical assessment, equipment setup, education and troubleshooting in areas of bronchial hygiene and lung expansion, home oxygen use, airway care, CPAP and Bi-Level machine and related equipment use, and COPD case management in the outpatient setting
Utilize computer-based technologies, software and programs
Document treatments, pre and post Tx. Assessment and results of various checks, tests, procedures, and education pertinent to patient care in CPRS, BCMA
Complete patient care as ordered in Respiratory Consult and closes consults
Complete documentation in CliniComp, SharePoint and enters workload in Event Capture and others as directed by the Medical Center
Document in the medical record, the results of patient and family education
Attend and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings where the overall needs of the patient are addressed
Communicate orally and in writing changes, adjustments, and recommendations with other healthcare team members
Provide inter- and intra-disciplinary in-services to other health care providers and students
Assist in orientation and training of new staff
Serve as a preceptor and monitors lower graded staff
Plan and conduct training sessions with hospital staff, patients, and family members
Assist in implementing solutions to technical and clinical work problems not covered by precedent or established procedures
Research and recommend based on the most current data for best practice
Participate in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs and evaluation of existing programs, lead projects developing new policies, works on the Root Cause Analysis team in order to determine best practices for our medical center
Assemble, check, and correct malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment
Maintain supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency
Serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent service/section on medical center, network, or national committees
Perform other related duties as assigned