Lead Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist

Responsibilities:

• 1. Oversees all clinical operations of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program and functions as a Hospital Respiratory Therapist. Utilizes analytical and clinical knowledge to effectively coordinate all clinical aspects of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, while maintaining communication with Clinical Manager and Vice President. Responsibilities include but not limited to. Risk stratifies patients, based on disease severity, to determine appropriate length of program Displays knowledge of lung anatomy and physiology. Displays knowledge of pulmonary diseases and their effects on patients. Displays knowledge of respiratory medications, appropriate use, mechanisms of action, and adverse effects. Displays knowledge of and interprets Arterial Blood Gases (ABG’s) - Displays knowledge of pulse oximetry and its implications. Analyzes basic pulmonary function results, i.e. spirometry. Able to assess adventitious breath sounds. Displays knowledge of BiPAP and CPAP and their appropriate applications Collaborate with patients to define goals Discuss educational topics of program including core areas of Nutrition, Psychosocial, Risk Factors and Exercise 2. Serves as liaison between patient, medical director, referring providers and other rehabilitation staff. Communicates effectively and acts as liaison between patients, medical director, staff and any referring providers, as needed, regarding patient admissions, progress and/or any issues a patient may experience when enrolled in Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. Solves any issues that may arise, in collaboration with Clinical Manager and/or Vice President Communicates/meets directly and regularly with Medical Director conveying concerns or needs for patients or program Communicates with referring providers as needed 3. Ensures that all patient admission requirements, including insurance information and development of treatment plans are completed and accurate. Oversee all program admissions by maintaining expert knowledge on program admission requirements, insurance coverages and development of treatment plans, including program length. Coordinates with Administrative Assistant to ensure completion of admission requirements. Performs as expert in all pulmonary process and procedures Maintains expert knowledge with continuing education credits including maintenance of ACLS certification. 4. Responsible to provide and ensure that all patient education is completed for the program. Plan, coordinate and schedule educational programming for patients and community members on topics related to conditions treated by the program, including but not limited to: Benefits of Exercise Conservation of Energy Breathing Strategies Secretion Clearance Pulmonary Medications Recognizing and Treating Exacerbations Eating Right Smoking Risks and Cessation Normal Anatomy and Physiology Pathophysiology of Chronic Lung Disease Relaxation Techniques Hazards of Oxygen Sleep Apnea 5. Works in coordination with Clinical Manager to ensure proper scheduling, training and competency for all staff. Works with Clinical Manager to provide adequate staffing for department Organizes training and maintains competency of staff working in department, in collaboration with Clinical Manager Ensures staff is current with required training including BLS and ACLS 6. Ensures that program functions within budget in coordination with Clinical Manager. Ensures that program functions within budget in coordination with Clinical Manager. Develop and implement a plan for program expansion to include Physician outreach and inpatient referrals

Credentials:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (Required)
• Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Associate of Arts or Science (Required)
• Graduate of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy Pulmonary Rehabilitation experience required. Experience in leadership role preferred