Registered Respiratory Therapist

Outpatient Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Outpatient Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for providing basic and advanced respiratory care. Responsibilities will include serving as a liaison between medical providers, clinicians, patients, Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Services, and the contracted vendor to facilitate clinically effective, cost-efficient delivery of a variety of types of services to Veterans with respiratory disorders requiring ventilatory therapy, equipment and oxygen services. The RRT Program Coordinator must be an experienced, clinically competent RRT, possess program management skills, responsible for assuring proper documentation and compliance with all regulatory requirements in meeting the Home Oxygen Respiratory Care Contract.

The HRCP Coordinator will ensure patients have the right to make informed decisions concerning their own care, maintain continuity of care provided by the vendor, ensure all patient information is treated confidentially, and that the vendor honors patient rights and informs them of their responsibilities in the care process.

Coordinate with the vendor to establish a care plan that ensures the patient's travel oxygen needs are met throughout the duration of their travel.

Assist with clinical oversight of the program components, including home oxygen, ventilators, nebulizers, and all other home respiratory durable medical equipment (DME). Additionally, train staff through in-services, precepting, and education.

Provide coordination of home oxygen processes and documentation/reporting with RRTs, Registered Nurses (RNs), providers, and Health Care System (HCS) employees.

Serve as a respiratory consultant and resource for patients and families as needs arise for tracheostomy care, suctioning, nebulizers, ventilators, equipment troubleshooting, and education.

Ensure quarterly in-home respiratory care safety evaluations/oxygen visits are conducted to assess and confirm the quality, safety, and education provided by our contracted vendor to veterans receiving care, with special attention to high-risk patients using supplemental oxygen.

Coordinate with the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service and vendors to ensure appropriate equipment and services are provided to patients. Communicate with home oxygen vendors to ensure patient needs are met in compliance with contract specifications.

Provide patients with comprehensive instructions on the use, cleaning, maintenance, and safety of home respiratory equipment.

Oversee performance, assessment, and improvement activities related to home oxygen, ventilators, and nebulizers, including all therapeutic equipment and supplies used in the treatment of respiratory disorders at home.

Communicate clinical competencies associated with the home oxygen program and provide feedback to the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service and Cardiopulmonary Chiefs for the annual assessment of the home oxygen program.

Operate various equipment including mechanical ventilators, positive airway pressure devices, oxygen equipment, and accessories.

Interpret and perform exercise testing and pulmonary assessments to determine the optimal dose of oxygen necessary to prevent significant arterial oxygen desaturation with exercise.

Perform overnight oximetry studies on room air or with varying doses of oxygen.

Oversee re-evaluations of the need for continued use of home oxygen or other respiratory therapy equipment. This includes reviewing outpatient clinic visits to document the need for oxygen therapy within one to three months after initiation and annually thereafter.

Actively participate in the Home Respiratory Care Team, conducting regular meetings, and contributing ideas, plans, and information to enhance services. Assist in the development and revision of policies, procedures, competency and safety assessments, quality management, patient information, documentation, and other relevant areas.

Respond to problem calls from patients or the vendor. Report formal complaints to leadership as needed and follow up with performance improvement actions.

Perform quarterly patient home visits to observe patient knowledge, safety, and compliance with the prescription/care plan and to ensure satisfaction with the care and services provided by the VA contracted vendor.

Work Schedule: The tour of duty includes varying days and times

Compressed/Flexible: Available

Telework: Ad hoc per VA policy

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 436-60895-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized