Registered Respiratory Therapist

Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) position in Medicine Specialty Service at VA Saint Louis Health Care System provides respiratory care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. At the full-performance level, RRT's use data and patient assessment to establish an 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. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols.

At the full-performance level, duties include but are not limited to:

1. Reviews, collects, and evaluates relevant clinical data, to include chart review, patient assessment, obtaining and interpreting vital signs as indicated. Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment.
2. Communicates orally and in writing, changes, adjustments, and recommendations with other healthcare team members, including multidisciplinary rounds.
3. Provides effective education and training to patients, students, and co-workers as appropriate.
4. Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Examples include but are not limited to: Arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, positive airway pressure troubleshooting, endotracheal intubation, endotracheal extubation, spontaneaous breathing trials, six-minute walk assessment, capnography, invasive and noninvasive ventilator management, oxygen administration, bedside pulmonary mechanics, airway clearance aerosol and MDI therapy, etc
5. Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines.
6. Responds to all emergency responses such as Code Blue, Rapid Response, Code Sepsis, etc.
7. Performs equipment troubleshooting, mask fittings, equipment cleaning, calibration and maintenance as required.
8. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities.
9. Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice.
10. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment.
11. Promotes a customer-centered environment, taking personal responsibility for problem solving and effective courteous communication with patients, their families, medical staff, students, and co-workers.
12. Provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cultural, cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient.
13. A Respiratory Therapist will demonstrate the ability to utilize computer-based technologies, software, and programs.

Work Schedule: Day shift compressed schedule 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. including weekends and holidays. Schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the health care system.

Compressed/Flexible: Compressed schedule authorized.

Telework: Not available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.