Respiratory Specialist - PFT

Position Purpose

This position coordinates the implementation of Respiratory Care Protocols and Physician orders to achieve the goal of effective utilization of services and improved patient outcomes. In conjunction with the leadership staff, this position is responsible for recommending and delegating the delivery of patient care through proper management of Respiratory Care Protocols, Physician orders and advanced Respiratory skills.

This position will include those who have specialties in Neonatal/Pediatrics (NPS), Adult Critical Care (ACCS), Pulmonary Rehab, Pulmonary Functions (PFT), Clinical Specialist (CS) and COPD / Asthma Education.

All positions may provide respiratory care at a secondary care sites consistent with the mission and obligations of Renown Health.

Nature and Scope

This position acts as a role model, resource and coach to the Respiratory Staff, physicians and ancillary departments. “Respiratory Care” means the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control, and care of persons with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. (NRS 630.023)

The Respiratory Specialist is accountable for the assessment, planning, implementation of care, and evaluation of Neonatal, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric patients and families. A thorough patient assessment by respiratory therapists is the cornerstone for the effective implementation of protocols. Respiratory therapists can initiate or modify a patient's plan of care following a predetermined and structured set of orders under the protocol placed by a provider. Protocols include instructions or interventions in which the respiratory therapist is empowered to initiate, refine, transition, discontinue, and restart therapy as the patient’s medical condition dictates. The Respiratory Therapist is accountable for the assessment, planning, implementation of care, and evaluation of Neonatal, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric patients and families.

Respiratory Specialists are responsible for the proper documentation of all patient records and department logs. In addition, they are responsible for keeping abreast of technological advances in applicable areas and are well versed in appropriate clinical applications. Continuous comprehensive mental effort is required to provide optimal safe patient care and the same mental effort is required when interacting with internal and external contacts, exercising judgments, and making decisions.

Respiratory Specialists are responsible for ensuring a positive patient experience is achieved. This is accomplished through initially making a connection, introducing yourself, explaining the duration of the work being performed, explaining the procedure / task, and thanking the patient when complete (CIDET). Additionally, Respiratory Specialists are responsible for service recovery when the patient experience does not go well. This is accomplished by listening with empathy to the concern, apologizing for the experience, solving the problem if able and escalating to leadership if not able, and thanking the patient for providing us with an opportunity to improve their experience (LAST).

Neonatal / Pediatric Specialist (NPS): primarily work with high-risk newborn/pediatric patients in the Intensive Care Nursery and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The Respiratory Specialist may be required to interact with staff in outlying hospitals either as a member of the maternal child health transport team or as a regional referral center information source. The Respiratory Care Neonatal / Pediatric Specialist is responsible for helping with transport coverage to include last minute scheduling to ensure transport coverage at all times. This position holds a board certification in Neonatal / Pediatric Specialist from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Adult Critical Care Specialists (ACCS): primarily work with high risk adult patients in the Adult Intensive Care Units, Shock/Trauma Resuscitation Rooms and Emergency Departments. This position holds a board certification in Adult Critical Care from the NBRC.

Pulmonary Rehab Specialist: are accountable and responsible for the performance of pulmonary rehabilitation. They work in a broad program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic (ongoing) breathing problems. At pulmonary rehabilitation the Pulmonary Rehab Specialist will work with a large interdisciplinary team to help improve the physical condition of patients through exercise, education, and support. This position holds Pulmonary Rehab Program Certification through The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

Pulmonary Function Test Specialists (PFT): are accountable and responsible for the performance of pulmonary function examinations. The Pulmonary Function Test Specialists are required to function as a professional resource person to pulmonary physicians, physicians in training, other medical staff, management, and nursing, regarding the performance, documentation, and interpretation of pulmonary function testing. This position holds a board certification in Pulmonary Function Testing. (Registered Pulmonary Function Technician – RPFT.)

Clinical Specialists: function in specialty roles throughout the network. They function as super-users for Heliox, Nitric Oxide, and Flolan administration and are trained to assist in the performance of diagnostic bronchoscopies. In addition, they are required to demonstrate advanced skill and competency in ventilation modalities, perform in-services, and complete multiple other competency requirements outlined in the Respiratory Clinical Specialist competency data sheet.

COPD / Asthma Education Specialist: provide comprehensive education to patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or Asthma. They utilize written education materials along with educational aides such as handouts, lung models, and videos as deemed appropriate. When applicable they provide referrals for pulmonary rehabilitation and pulmonary function testing. They act as a liaison to physicians and discharge planners to ensure proper length of stay, adequate education and safe discharge. They provide follow-up care to answer questions and ensure appointments with primary care physicians are completed. In addition, they keep meticulous records to ensure patient continuity of care. This position has completed the AARC Pulmonary Disease Educator Course.

Patient Education includes:

• normal lung anatomy & physiology

• physiologic changes caused by COPD

• medication classifications

• the patient’s specific medication: what, when, where, how and why they take it (Action Plan)

• recognizing the exacerbation vs. ‘bad day’ (Rescue Plan)

• pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise

• smoking cessation

• oxygen use

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

This position does provide direct patient care.

Disclaimer

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred