Registered Respiratory Therapist - (Pulmonary)

Job Title

The core responsibility of this role is serving as a clinical liaison between pulmonary medical providers, veterans, and external equipment vendors.

The therapist conducts clinical assessments, focused history takes, and physical examinations to evaluate treatment responses and compliance. Central to the position is downloading, tracking, and analyzing remote data from home CPAP and Bi-level devices to resolve compliance issues and educate families. Additionally, the therapist maintains a computerized tracking database of patient demographics, equipment, and annual consultations. Beyond the clinic, the incumbent remains fully proficient in emergency settings, responding as a member of the rapid response team and performing advanced life support, blood gas sampling, and endotracheal intubation. The therapist also ensures equipment is decontaminated, properly maintained, and safe for home use.

Primary Duties, but not limited too:

• Clinical Assessments: Conduct clinical assessments, focused histories, and physical examinations of veterans with respiratory disorders to evaluate response to therapy.
• Clinic Liaison: Serve as the clinical liaison between clinicians, patients requiring home PAP units, and outside contracted vendors.
• Compliance Data Monitoring: Set up diagnostic studies, download, and interpret compliance data from remote respiratory and CPAP/Bi-level monitoring software.
• Compliance Interventions: Apply targeted instructional techniques and education to assist patients experiencing compliance issues with their devices.
• Provider Collaboration: Review and evaluate indications or contraindications for PAP therapy and notify providers of changes or failures to meet VHA criteria.
• Database Management: Maintain an accurate computerized database containing demographic data, diagnoses, historical medical data, and active equipment prescriptions.
• Emergency Response: Perform as an active member of the rapid response team, providing BLS, ACLS, and advanced airway management including endotracheal intubation.
• Diagnostic Sampling: Draw and analyze arterial or venous blood gas samples on an as-needed basis per provider orders.
• Equipment Troubleshooting: Assemble, clean, and troubleshoot respiratory equipment, including oxygen delivery, aerosol therapy, and lung expansion devices.
• Home Safety Education: Educate patients and caregivers on post-acute home safety, including oxygen fire prevention, electrical safety, and equipment infection control.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 41760F Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs