Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary:

The Respiratory Therapist - Ventilation Specialist provides respiratory patient care to Vent patients for optimal outcomes. Provides respiratory care to patients in alternate sites in accordance with AdaptHealth's policies and procedures. Respiratory care will be preventative, rehabilitative, and palliative in nature. The RT will utilize all the resources available within the agency and community to accomplish care objectives. This position will provide education and care to the patient and communicate with team, physicians and referral sources and other patient agencies ensuring prompt attention to patient care issues.

Essential Functions and Job Responsibilities:

• Utilizes various sources of information to attain greater competence about his or her position, including attending educational events (including attending optional in-services) and asking questions.
• Utilizes acquired knowledge to increase his or her competencies.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to adequately complete all documentation and charting procedures in compliance with company policy and procedures.
• Maintains complete and accurate patient files by updating all documents per company policy and procedures.
• Reviews Plan of Treatments and Care Plans to assure they are accurate and up to date.
• Documents procedures including how the patient tolerated a procedure, side effects and other pertinent information.
• Assists with authorization for Ventilator referrals for patients.
• Shows adequate knowledge of respiratory equipment and displays ability to utilize knowledge in the clinical setting.
• Displays knowledge of assessment skills and demonstrates application of clinical skills during set-ups, follow-ups, and in-services.
• Participates in discharge planning of highly technical cases.
• Performs clinical assessments as needed and reports results and recommendations to the referral and physician.
• Participates in highly technical discharges and prepares in advance to assure the patient and caregivers have a smooth transition to the home setting.
• Performs in-services to hospital staff, referrals, other professionals regarding equipment & issues of clinical nature.
• Follows up with physician and referrals regarding patient status and documents accurately and in a timely manner.
• Retain knowledge of and consistently adhere to procedures for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), infection control and hazardous materials handling.
• Works to promote AdaptHealth by new program development, operational backup, personal visits, coordination of educational activities, etc.
• Assume on-call responsibilities during non-business hours in accordance with company policy.
• Uses clinical expertise in evaluating vent patients records once a ventilator set up has been completed by the branch Respiratory Therapist.
• Ensures accuracy of prescriptions and plan of care was followed and documented. Also reviews delivery tickets, home inspection, ventilator check, and patient equipment competencies are complete and documented.
• Maintains proficient knowledge of ventilator patients including compliance software, new technology, units, and supplies supported by Adapthealth.
• Ability to demonstrate and instruct on use of vent units and supplies. Ability to make decisions for patients based on compliance data and assessment.
• Communicates with team, physicians and referral sources and other patient agencies ensuring prompt attention to patient care issues.
• Maintains working knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid and other third-party payer guidelines related to ventilation.
• Electronically documents patient care activity, intervention provided and all communication regarding the patient. Documentation is accurate, complete and follows company standards.
• Appropriate steps taken to ensure recommendations and orders sent are acknowledged and followed up in a timely manner.
• Responsible for accuracy, clarity, and timeliness of verbal and written communications as it relates to role.
• Responsible for documentation that supports data collection to track and trend outcomes.
• Assists in establishing clinical documentation when needed for third party reimbursement or justification.
• Uses knowledge in working with referral sources to educate about best practice standards.
• Works collaboratively and pro-actively with peers and other team members to resolve issues and assure optimum outcomes for patients, referral sources and staff.
• Acts as a resource on practices and processes to provide appropriate guidance.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of current HME products and services offered by the company.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and function within the guidelines of HIPAA.
• Completes assigned compliance training and other educational programs as required.
• Maintains compliant with AdaptHealth's Compliance Program.
• Perform other related duties as assigned during and outside of normal business hours as needed.

Competency, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with ventilator patients
• Competent in Ventilator, Airway Clearance, and Oxygen therapy administration and management
• Able to perform clinical assessments.
• Equipment troubleshooting and maintenance skills.
• Decision making skills.
• Expert communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Solid ability to learn new technologies and possess the technical aptitude required to understand flow of data through systems as well as system interaction.
• Knowledge of the regulatory requirements at the state, federal, and local level
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a rapidly changing environment, be patient, accountable, proactive, take initiative and work effectively on a team.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Associates degree from an AMA approved respiratory program,
• Valid and unrestricted RT clinical license in all states serviced by the branch.
• Must be CPR certified,
• One (1) year of clinical experience as a Health Care RT, HME RT or clinical nursing with Vent experience.
• Valid and unrestricted driver's license

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, stand, bend, stoop, and be able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to perform one-man CPR.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements of the upper extremities' motions of wrists, hands, and/or fingers due to extensive computer use.
• May be exposed to unsanitary conditions in some home settings.
• Work environment may be stressful at times, as overall office activities and work levels fluctuate.
• May be exposed to high crime areas within the service community.
• Subject to long periods of sitting and exposure to computer screen.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, loud noise, extreme heat/cold, direct, or indirect contact with airborne, bloodborne, and/or other potentially infectious pathogen.
• May be exposed to angry or irate customers or patients.
• Must be able to drive and travel as needed.
• Physical and mental ability to provide clinical assessments.
• Requires travel throughout service area.
• Mental ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to access the patient's residence.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours.
• Physical and mental ability to provide clinical assessments.

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