Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Requirements & Responsibilities

General Duties

• Maintain accurate and complete records of all services rendered, including provider details, patient identification, service dates, and charges.
  
• Ensure documentation supports evaluation of service quality, appropriateness, and timeliness in accordance with contract standards.
  

Role Definition

A Respiratory Therapist/Polysomnographer is a licensed healthcare professional who:

• Has graduated from an accredited college or university.
  
• Holds certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
  
• Is trained to perform sleep studies and monitor:
  
  • Sleep patterns and stages
    
  • Blood oxygen levels
    
  • Body position
    
  • Brain waves (EEG)
    
  • Breathing rate
    
  • Muscle activity (EMG)
    
  • Eye and leg movements
    
  • Heart rate
    

Clinical Responsibilities

• Administer therapeutic and diagnostic procedures using medical gases (oxygen, nitric oxide) and delivery devices.
  
• Utilize all forms of humidification systems, including aerosols and high-flow devices.
  
• Deliver inhaled medications using appropriate devices.
  
• Assist with intubation and airway management.
  
• Operate all ventilators and modes of mechanical ventilation used at VAGLAHS.
  
• Perform Chest Physiotherapy (CPT), both manually and with the Vest System, and postural drainage.
  
• Respond to Rapid Response Calls and perform CPR (current certification required).
  
• Set up and manage CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP systems.
  
• Educate patients and families on respiratory care and equipment.
  
• Perform arterial punctures and interpret ABG results.
  
• Recognize and act upon signs of patient distress or need for medical intervention.
  

Polysomnography-Specific Duties

• Conduct full-night and split-night sleep studies.
  
• Perform sleep staging using EEG, EOG, and EMG channels.
  
• Continuously monitor additional parameters such as airflow, oximetry, EKG, and EMG.
  
• Maintain manual and electronic logs of patient activity and events.
  
• Score sleep studies both electronically and manually.
  
• Follow established protocols for findings requiring medical evaluation or intervention.
  

Collaboration & Compliance

• Work under the direction of the Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and the Chief of Respiratory Therapy.
  
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.
  
• Adhere to all VAGLAHS policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
  

Requirements

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification by the NBRC (required)
  
• Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) by BRPT or Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) by AASM
  
• BLS Certification (preferred)
  
• Valid license from the Respiratory Care Board of California or Medical Board of California
  
• U.S. Citizenship or Green Card holder
  
• Experience in both respiratory therapy and sleep diagnostics
  
• Proficiency in mechanical ventilation, airway management, CPAP/BiPAP setup, and polysomnography
  

Required Documentation:

• Updated resume
  
• Three (3) professional references
  

Benefits

Compensation Details:

• Estimated Pay Rate: $48.00 - $57.00/hour (based on experience and market rates).
  

Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage

• Medical Coverage: Multiple nationwide and regional options, including HMO, PPO, and HDHP plans, with access to 24/7 telemedicine and wellness programs.
  
• Dental & Vision Insurance: Preventive, basic, and major dental services, plus vision exams, frames, and contact lenses.
  
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare expenses.
  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, legal consultations, and work-life balance.
  

Financial Wellbeing

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Matching.
  
• Financial Coaching: Budgeting tools and financial planning support.
  
• Commuter Benefits & Adoption Assistance: Savings on mass transit and reimbursement for eligible adoption expenses.
  

Work-Life Balance & Professional Growth

• Training & Development: Access to on-demand courses and professional growth programs.
  
• Sick Time and PTO
  
• Holidays Off and will have alternative work weeks during Holiday weeks

Additional Perks

• MarketPlace™ Perks at Work: Discounts on fitness, nutrition, travel, and childcare.
  
• Community Online Academy: Free wellness and professional development courses.