Respiratory Therapist - / - Pulmonary Rehab Specialist

Job Summary:

MedStar Health is looking for a Respiratory Care Practitioner to join our team at MedStar Medical Group! The ideal candidate will be able to perform patient testing on adult patients, evaluate patient status and provide appropriate treatment and diagnostic tests, and maintain confidential patient files.

This individual will be responsible for performing adult pulmonary function testing, stress testing, arterial punctures, and pulse oximetry for the laboratories in the Department of Medicine. Acts as a resource to and consults with physicians on matters pertaining to diagnostic testing. Performs operations calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of diagnostic, therapeutic and computer equipment. The incumbent will also perform inventory and ordering of supplies and medicine.

Join one of the largest healthcare systems in the Baltimore-Washington metro region, also recognized as one of the "Healthiest Maryland Businesses." Apply today and learn how MedStar Health can be your next great career move!

Primary Duties:

• Independently performs all specified pulmonary function tests requested by the physicians. These include but are not limited to spirometry, flow loops, Helium dilution, nitrogen washout, and plethysmograph lung volume, diffusion capacity, broncho-dilator & methacholine studies, arterial blood gas draws, pulse oximetry, and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurements. Performs bronchospasm evaluations to determine the effect of medication on pulmonary abilities reflected by previous pulmonary function studies. Performs all required calibrations as needed, maintains documentation for review by regulatory agencies, (i.e. DCRA, JACHO).

• Completes all patient histories, demographic data, & billing information, maintaining the confidentiality of all records and files. Updates and maintains the patient database. As possible, schedule appointments and follow-ups and make appropriate confirmation calls. Completes all paperwork for each patient visit taking care to utilize the correct codes and documentation for follow-up. Makes notations of test results, and calibration from equipment for physician review. Modifies treatment and testing plans to appropriate pediatric formats for all non-adult patients. Maintains files for completed testing.

• Offers instruction and therapy in anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system regarding specific diseases, use of an inhaler, aerosol inhalation, chest percussion, postural drainage exercises, pursed lips or abdominal breathing exercises, ambulatory breathing exercises, and coughing techniques.

• Orders all medical, miscellaneous, and drug supplies for each laboratory use. Maintains cleanliness, order, and safety of labs. Keeps equipment in good functioning order, requesting maintenance service when needed. Sterilizes and cleans equipment according to standards and procedural guidelines.

• Performs billing for Physician part of the neuro-diagnostic testing, maintains records, and files completed paperwork appropriately. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts. Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams

Qualifications:

• Associate degree: Respiratory Therapy or equivalent in an allied health profession with concentrated study in mathematics and/or physics.

• Statistical knowledge is essential. Knowledge of arterial blood draws, spirometry, flow volume loops, diffusing compacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), lung volumes, bronchodilator and methacholine measurements and calibrations. Knowledge of both adult and pediatric pulmonary functions and test procedures.

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Certified Pulmonary Function Technician (CPFT), or Professional Registration as a Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) must be obtained within 1 Year.

• Preferred Certification: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

• Consideration will be given to an appropriate combination of education/training and experience.