Registered Respiratory Therapist - Pulmonary

Registered Respiratory Therapist - Pulmonary

Registered Respiratory Therapists - Pulmonary perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. RRTs conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. They train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry.

Major Duties:

• Performs diagnostic evaluation including but not limited to; Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, Cardio- Pulmonary Exercise Testing, Bronchoprovocation Challenge Testing, Arterial Blood Gas interpretation - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation
• Monitors and evaluates patient performance during procedures and evaluates' response to PFT and recommends changes based on information obtained
• Provides patient with clear, concise instructions and coach the patient to achieve the best, reproducible results
• Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families
• Provides recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of patient
• Maintains knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology and oxygen administration
• Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur
• Ensures equipment and supplies are available for use
• Participates in evaluation of new equipment and services
• Participates in Continuous Improvement initiatives, monitors compliance within the PFT clinic area
• Resolves technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources
• Provides accurate, legible and complete documentation of patient care delivered and response to therapy
• Acts as liaison to providers for testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special services
• Recommends changes in the PFT Lab to improve services and patient care
• Assists with completion of department paperwork
• Assists in planning and implementing effective educational programs for in-services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab
• Provides additional, non-traditional services as determined by the DC VA Medical Center and department needs
• The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the process and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate for this position.
• The incumbent must develop skills through literature review of pulmonary medicine which include recognizing reproducibility of maneuvers and preliminary interpretation of diagnostic information.
• The Incumbent contributes ideas, plans and information to improve outpatient respiratory services.
• The incumbent administers routine and special pulmonary function testing.
• The Incumbent adheres to established standards of practice and exercises sound clinical judgement.

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday; 7:00am- 5:30pm. Schedule may vary dependent upon approved tour of duty.

Compressed/Flexible: Available.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 23059-F

US Department of Veterans Affairs