Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

The following duties for a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist:

Supervisory Controls: The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Inpatient Supervisor Respiratory and is responsible for performing all the functions of their position following department and hospital policies with minimal supervision. Work is reviewed based upon results obtained in supporting the VAMC's mission and meeting specific program goals and objectives. The therapist independently plans and carries out the assignments, makes day-to-day decisions using own initiative, and referring most complex problems to the Supervisor.

Cardiopulmonary Disease & Diagnostics:

• Understands etiology, anatomy, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of common cardiopulmonary diseases; as well as understanding of Cardiopulmonary medications.
• Understanding of medical gas systems, including delivery, and troubleshooting of essential oxygen delivery systems.
• Comprehension of testing procedures utilized in the diagnosis and management of cardiopulmonary disease, including, but not limited to peak flow, bronchodilator administration, forced vital capacity, arterial blood gases (ABG), chest x-ray and pulse oximetry.

Clinical Competence:

• Renders treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of respiratory therapy treatment programs.
• Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with the use of medical gases, administration devices, humidification, and aerosols
• Administration of medication
• Ventilator support
• Broncho-pulmonary drainage and breathing exercises
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Rapid Response Team
• Maintenance of airways
• Out-of-Operating Room Intubation (OOORAM)
• Arterial Blood Gases
• Blood gas analysis knowledge
• Patient/family education
• Performance of routine vital sign measurements, including heart rate, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, assessment of respiratory pattern and evidence of dyspnea or hypoxemia.
• Identifies indications, contraindications and hazards associated with procedures routinely performed in the in-patient respiratory setting including, but not limited to oxygen administration, aerosol administration, pulse oximetry, and ABG puncture.
• Perspicacity of standard respiratory drugs (e.g., bronchodilators) including drug action and effects, recommended dosages, and the requirements for administering and storing the drugs.
• Independently makes recommendations to physicians regarding alternatives or modifications to treatment based on laboratory results, identification of any drug complications or interactions, and the Veteran's response to prescribed treatment.
• Identification of complications or barriers with any respiratory modalities ordered.
• Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, including, but not limited to: Ventilators, BiPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen systems and computer systems. Reports any equipment issues that cannot be resolved at the user level to the appropriate personnel.

Clinical Practice-Emergency Care:

• Effectively identifies and takes appropriate action when faced with adverse reactions and patient situations that require urgent or emergency management, including, but not limited to: falls, fainting, acute change in mental status, acute change in HR, RR, or blood. pressure, extreme shortness of breath, hypoxia, chest pain, cardiac and/or respiratory arrest (CODE BLUE/RAPID RESPONSES).
• Provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Intubates when clinically indicated.

Communication/Documentation:

• Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, families, coworkers, and other staff to provide exemplary care and service.
• Provides accurate, legible, and complete documentation of patient care in the CPRS system and BCMA medication delivery system.
• Advocate for ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies.
• Leads provide clinical practice guidance for other respiratory staff.

Education:

• Provides patient education related to the respiratory modality.
• Keeps abreast of current trends in respiratory care and effectively applies that information in practice.

Health & Occupational Safety:

• Demonstrates familiarity of critical information related to medical gas systems, including hazards and risks associated with their use and storage.
• Correctly identifies and demonstrates ability to don proper personal protective equipment (PPE) specific to modality given.
• Always ensures a safe patient environment. This includes but is not limited to keeping patient care areas clean, organized, and free from trip hazards.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00pm to 2:30am Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 95398-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs