Respiratory Therapist; Vent - Field

RT Vent Field Clinician

The RT Vent Field Clinician is a Respiratory Therapist providing respiratory patient care to ventilator patients for optimal outcomes. This role involves delivering respiratory care in alternate sites in accordance with AdaptHealth's policies and procedures. The care provided will be preventative, rehabilitative, and palliative in nature. The RT will utilize all available resources within the agency and community to accomplish care objectives. This position will provide education and care to the patient and communicate with the team, physicians, referral sources, and other patient agencies to ensure prompt attention to patient care issues.

Job Description

• Utilize various sources of information to attain greater competence about the position, including attending educational events and asking questions.
• Utilize acquired knowledge to increase competencies.
• Consistently demonstrate the ability to adequately complete all documentation and charting procedures in compliance with company policy and procedures.
• Maintain complete and accurate patient files by updating all documents per company policy and procedures.
• Review Plan of Treatments and Care Plans to assure they are accurate and up to date.
• Document procedures including how the patient tolerated a procedure, side effects, and other pertinent information.
• Assist with authorization for ventilator referrals for patients.
• Show adequate knowledge of respiratory equipment and display the ability to utilize knowledge in the clinical setting.
• Display knowledge of assessment skills and demonstrate application of clinical skills during set-ups, follow-ups, and in-services.
• Participate in discharge planning of highly technical cases.
• Perform clinical assessments as needed and report results and recommendations to the referral and physician.
• Participate in highly technical discharges and prepare in advance to assure the patient and caregivers have a smooth transition to the home setting.
• Perform in-services to hospital staff, referrals, and other professionals regarding equipment and issues of a clinical nature.
• Follow up with physicians and referrals regarding patient status and document 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.
• Work 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.
• Use clinical expertise in evaluating ventilator patients' records once a ventilator setup has been completed by the branch Respiratory Therapist.
• Ensure accuracy of prescriptions and that the plan of care was followed and documented. Also review delivery tickets, home inspection, ventilator check, and patient equipment competencies are complete and documented.
• Maintain proficient knowledge of ventilator patients including compliance software, new technology, units, and supplies supported by AdaptHealth.
• Demonstrate and instruct on the use of vent units and supplies. Make decisions for patients based on compliance data and assessment.
• Communicate with the team, physicians, referral sources, and other patient agencies ensuring prompt attention to patient care issues.
• Maintain working knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid and other third-party payer guidelines related to ventilation.
• Electronically document patient care activity, intervention provided, and all communication regarding the patient. Documentation is accurate, complete, and follows company standards.
• Take appropriate steps 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 the role.
• Responsible for documentation that supports data collection to track and trend outcomes.
• Assist in establishing clinical documentation when needed for third-party reimbursement or justification.
• Use knowledge in working with referral sources to educate about best practice standards.
• Work collaboratively and proactively with peers and other team members to resolve issues and assure optimum outcomes for patients, referral sources, and staff.
• Act 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.
• Complete assigned compliance training and other educational programs as required.
• Maintain compliance with AdaptHealth's Compliance Program.
• Perform other related duties as assigned during and outside of normal business hours as needed.

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 screens.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, loud noise, extreme heat/cold, direct or indirect contact with airborne, bloodborne, and/or other potentially infectious pathogens.
• 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.