Registered Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist Duties

The Respiratory Therapists determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Reviews, collects and evaluates relevant clinical data.
• Performs intubations and airway management.
• Will take on-call on a regular basis.
• Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment.
• Communicates orally and in writing, changes, adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team members.
• Provides effective education and training to patients, students and co-workers as appropriate.
• Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Examples include but not limited to: Artline blood collection, Arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration etc.
• Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines.
• Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities.
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice.
• Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment.
• May serve as therapist-in-charge when assigned and/or in the absence of the Chief of Respiratory Care.
• Promotes a customer-centered environment, taking personal responsibility for problem solving and effective courteous communication with patients, their families, medical staff, students and co-workers.
• Provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cultural, cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient.
• Will demonstrate the ability to utilize computer-based technologies, software and programs.
• Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.

Work Schedule: 7:00PM-7:30AM / 7:00PM-3:30AM - Six 12 Hour Shifts & One 8 Hour Shift per pay period with rotating weekends and scheduled On Call.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 30793-F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized