Registered Respiratory Therapist

About the role

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) work independently providing basic and advanced respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. They plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, collects, and evaluates relevant clinical data from the medical record and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met.
• Determines and implements complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications, or supplemental oxygen and intubation.
• Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients, including but not limited to: arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration, etc.
• Applies clinical expertise to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist providers in formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based on patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest X-ray, pulse oximetry, etc.
• Manages and maintains the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means by monitoring critical systems.
• Performs basic spirometry, pre/post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, plethysmography, and MIPs/MEPs in the lab or at bedside, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results.
• Compares and evaluates indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity) and recognizes normal/abnormal results.
• Calculates, notes, and reports all pulmonary function parameters for physician interpretation.
• Collects, reviews, and evaluates relevant clinical data from the medical records, care team, patient, and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated.
• Contributes ideas, plans, and information to improve outpatient respiratory services.
• Supports multiple Outpatient Programs such as home oxygen, home respiratory equipment, ALS clinic, bronchoscopy clinic, and pulmonary procedure clinic.
• Communicates changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status to other health care team members as appropriate. Additionally, makes recommendations to providers regarding changes in treatment based upon patient observation and diagnostic test values.
• Performs patient assessment for home oxygen determination, including thorough chart review and patient interview to determine age, smoking and pulmonary history and other pertinent information.
• Demonstrates proficiency performing routine tasks within the home oxygen clinic, including qualification/determination of need for home oxygen for both new patient consults and renewal of prescriptions, pulse oximetry, initiation and downloading overnight pulse oximetry studies, initiation and titration of oxygen, patient and/or caregiver education regarding home oxygen equipment and supplies.

Requirements

This job is open to all US Citizens.

Will have a great deal of independence in the performance of their duties.

Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Subject to background/security investigation.

Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Subject to background/security investigation.

Qualifications

• Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
• Licensure: Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.
• Credential: Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT.
• Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
• English Language Proficiency: RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).