Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorders

Job Title

Clinical Competence

Major Duties

Maintains the RPSGT or SDS credential.

Demonstrated skill in performing and analyzing diagnostic and complex polysomnography studies, including preparing, analyzing and interpreting data from sleep and positive airway monitoring platforms.

Knowledge and ability to perform EEG monitoring, EtCO2 monitoring, ASV/AVAPS titration, Inspire and other pertinent job competencies and functions.

Demonstrated skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnography lab equipment and positive pressure airway devices.

Skill in training and competency verification of both RRTs and MITs assigned to the Outpatient RT Clinics and Sleep Laboratories.

Skill in maintaining Sleep Lab records and reports.

Assists with the development of operating procedures and competency testing related to procedures performed in the Sleep Laboratories and PAP Clinics.

Proactively anticipates patient and/or lab issues and takes steps to mitigate problems.

Organizes day-to-day laboratory functions, including equipment, supplies, MIT staff assignments and training.

Reviews staff work for training and consistency oversight.

Shares responsibility for administrative oversight in the absence of the Supervisor, Outpatient Respiratory Therapy/Polysomnography, with the RRT Lead, PAP Clinics/Sleep.

Assists the Supervisor, Outpatient Respiratory Therapy/Polysomnography with performance improvement projects, as requested.

Effectively identifies and takes appropriate actions when faced with adverse clinical situations requiring urgent/emergent management.

Other duties within the scope of the RRT/RPSGT's practice and licensure.

Communication/Documentation

Communicates effectively, respectfully and professionally with patients, families, caregivers, coworkers, other healthcare providers, and other staff to provide exemplary care and customer service.

Collaborates with patients, families, caregivers and other members of the healthcare team to facilitate patient care, testing and appointment needs.

Completely and accurately documents testing, treatment and interventions, including patient assessments, response to treatment, equipment/supplies issued, education completed and recommendations or follow-up in the patient's medical record, ensuring teach-back of critical information. Identifies appropriate personnel to notify in patient records via co-signature option, as appropriate.

Ensures that complications or undesirable responses to treatments/interventions/testing are clearly documented, with notification to patient's provider, when appropriate.

Enters patient safety reports and completes department tracking logs, as needed.

Ensures orders are completed in a timely manner in accordance with established department, Service, Medical Center and VISN policies or directives, as measured by audit.

Responds to secure messages and/or voicemails accurately and in a timely manner.

Ensures leave requests are entered in a timely manner in accordance with established hospital and Medical Center guidelines.

Education

Provides patient education pertinent to the area(s) to which the incumbent is assigned, including the risks/hazards of any testing performed, indications/care & maintenance of issued equipment and supplies, ensuring patient understanding as evidenced by adequate teach-back of critical information.

Keeps abreast of current trends in Respiratory Therapy and Sleep Disorders and applies new information to practice.

Completes all self-paced learning sessions (i.e.: TMS) in a timely manner and in accordance with department and Medical Center guidelines.

Attends mandatory in-services, meetings and training sessions, in accordance with department guidelines.

Health & Occupational Safety

Demonstrates knowledge of critical information related to oxygen (and other medical gases, as appropriate) use, safety, and storage.

Correctly identifies what PPE is required based on isolation precautions.

Correctly dons and doffs PPE in accordance with established Infection Control procedures and guidance.

Ensures a safe patient environment at all times.

Notifies environmental services when in need of cleaning or when additional services are required.

Enters work orders for all items requiring Engineering assistance.

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

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 95336-0

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs