Registered Respiratory Therapist

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Registered Respiratory Therapist consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems.

• The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) will perform Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) for inpatients and outpatients including, but not limited to, spirometry, lung volumes via body plethysmography and N2 washout, diffusion, and challenge testing. They maintain the PFT lab equipment, supplies, and schedule. The RRT use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment were 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. The Respiratory Therapist (RT) serves in a critical care setting with responsibility for independently administering a variety of complex treatments and tests to both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients in all areas of the Medical Center as required. During emergency situations, the RT serves as a member of the Code Blue team in response to Cardiac and/or Respiratory arrests and is responsible independently inserting artificial airways into patient's trachea to provide controlled breathing consistent with the VA NJHCS NORAM - Non-Operating Room Airway Management policy. They initiate manual ventilation using a manual resuscitation bag or bag-valve-mask (BVM) and maintain ventilation. RT is involved with the Rapid Response Team and responds to all calls in order to assess any respiratory needs. Set up and monitor a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume or pressure ventilators for critical care patients. Based on patient assessment and analysis of arterial blood gas data, independently adjusts ventilator settings in order to change the patient's ventilation status. Apply advanced ventilation techniques such as pressure control ventilation, tube compensation, volume and pressure support ventilation. Monitors patients closely to avoid complications and to alter the plan as necessary. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 14261F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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