Registered Respiratory Therapist

Job Title

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) are responsible for independently administering treatment to ambulatory, non-ambulatory and critically ill and/or poor risk patients in MICU and Step-Down units.

Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to):

• Administer oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy.
• Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy.
• Implement adult artificial ventilation upon physician's orders.
• Maintain and monitor ventilator patients as required and make adjustments based on blood gas analysis with the physician's approval.
• Administer prescribed medications that pertain to the field, note contraindications and/or adverse reactions, and notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy as indicated.
• Perform arterial blood gas analysis from arterial puncture or arterial line.
• Analyze blood with the mechanical analyzer, interpret the results of the analysis, consult with the physician on the results, and make recommendations.
• Provide emergency respiratory therapy treatments to critically ill patients.
• Monitor patient reactions to therapy with the use of pulse oximetry.
• Perform pulmonary function tests including spirometry, lung volumes, and exercise testing.
• Document in the progress notes and other areas all pertinent information regarding patient response and tolerance to all forms of therapy and test procedures performed.
• Participate in research projects under the direction of the Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy.
• Duties as a Representative of the Veterans Administration: Communicate the philosophy, aims and policies of hospital administration to patients and their families, team members, and other hospital personnel.
• Maintain rapport with other departments to improve the quality of patient care. Assume responsibility for professional growth through continuing education and participation in professional organizations.
• Promote and participate in patient education and rehabilitation by explaining procedures and therapies to the patients and their families.
• The incumbent provides emergent out of OR airway management and is trained and competent to perform airway management.
• This airway management includes the insertion of artificial airways, i.e., endotracheal tubes, LMS tubes, in emergent situations, and is under the direct supervision of the Chief of Emergency Care.

Work Schedule: Full range of shifts, depending on needs of the facility (days, evenings, nights), subject to changed based on the needs of the facility.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 00321F, 0032F, 00323F, 00324F

Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized