Outpatient Registered Respiratory Therapist - PAP ...

Summary The Registered Respiratory Therapist, CPAP Therapist, functions within the Outpatient Respiratory Therapy and Sleep Disorders sections of Medicine Service and provides specialty diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and services under the direction of an ordering provider. Responsibilities This position directly reports to the RRT Lead PAP Clinic/Sleep Disorders and the Supervisor, Respiratory Therapy & Polysomnography. The incumbent indirectly reports to the Chief, Pulmonary, Critical Care & Allergy. General Knowledge - Cardiopulmonary Diseases & Sleep Disorders Understands etiology, anatomy, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of common cardiopulmonary diseases and sleep-disordered breathing conditions. Demonstrates knowledge of testing procedures and common treatments employed in sleep-disordered patient populations, including overnight sleep lab testing, actigraphy, overnight pulse oximetry and Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy. Identifies common issues and limitations of testing and treatment related to sleep-disordered breathing patient populations, including insomnia, patients presenting with altered anatomy, morbid obesity, neuromuscular issues, those with claustrophobia, and cognitive barriers to testing or treatment. Clinical Competence Identifies important information to be obtained prior to performing any diagnostic testing procedure and/or any therapeutic intervention. Ability to perform patient assessment, including routine vital sign measurements, assessment of respiratory rate and pattern and evidence of dyspnea or hypoxia. Identifies indications, contraindications and hazards associated with frequently performed procedures in the PAP Clinic. Identifies critical information that must be communicated during appointments. Ability to program devices to prescribed parameters, teach and coach patients with the fit, use and care of equipment issued. Demonstrates ability to utilize and maintain third-party and VA-used software databases. Cleans, maintains and troubleshoots equipment in the area(s) assigned. Evaluates and troubleshoots all patient-issued equipment. Follows department and Medical Center policies and standard operating procedures. Ensures adequate storage and inventory of issuable supplies/equipment/machines. Other duties, as requested and within scope of practice and licensure. Clinical Practice - Emergency Care Identifies and takes appropriate action when faced with patient situations that require urgent or emergency management. Provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as needed. Communication/Documentation Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, families, coworkers and other staff. Responds to secure messages, voicemails, Patient Advocate and provider requests in a timely manner. Collaborates with patients, families and other members of the healthcare team to facilitate appointments, equipment issuance, machine assistance, and equipment troubleshooting issues. Properly and completely documents all assessments, patient response or concerns, results, machine or equipment issuance and any other pertinent information in the patient's medical record. Properly and completely documents all pertinent information into other necessary software systems, as related to PAP therapy. Ensures consults and orders are accurate and completed in a timely manner. Ensures that any issues, concerns or undesirable responses to treatment are clearly documented with notification to appropriate personnel. Enters patient safety reports when indicated. Education Provides patient education related to the use, acclimation techniques, supply reorder process, and cleaning and maintenance of all recommended and issued patient equipment. Keeps abreast of current trends in respiratory and sleep-disordered breathing care, and effectively applies that information in practice. Completes all mandatory self-paced learning sessions (i.e.: TMS training). Attends (or views) all required meetings, in-services and training sessions, in accordance with department guidelines. Assists the Lead Outpatient Respiratory Therapy PAP Clinic/Sleep Disorders RRT and the Supervisor, Outpatient Respiratory Therapy & Sleep Technology with training, policy/procedure creation/revision and other performance improvement projects, as requested. Health & Occupational Safety Identifies and demonstrates ability to don proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensures a safe patient environment at all times. This includes but is not limited to keeping patient care areas clean, organized and free from trip hazards, completing disinfection of equipment in-between patients, encouraging the use of walkers or other mobility aids when needed, and making recommendations for urgent care follow up, when indicated. Notifies environmental services when in need of additional cleaning or services. Enters work orders for items needing Engineering or other assistance, such as cracked or curled floor tiles, discolored ceiling tiles, plumbing or electrical needs, Biomedical assistance, etc. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday Functional Statement #: 94281-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2026-02-20