Respiratory Therapist – Sleep Medicine (RTS)

Overview

Ansible Government Solutions, LLC (Ansible) is currently recruiting for Sleep Medicine Respiratory Therapists (RTS) to support the the VA San Diego Healthcare System, located at 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161. Respiratory therapists educate and treat people who are suffering from sleep related breathing disorders. They often collaborate with specialists in Pulmonary, ED, and ICU, Primary Care and Prosthetics in various aspects of clinical care of patients. They are responsible for initiating and managing patients with sleep disordered breathing in a clinical setting, provide specialized equipment evaluation of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) units and treatment, and may also perform home based sleep studies. The RTS shall provide detailed education regarding sleep study results and communicate with patients.

Ansible is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing Federal customers with solutions in many arenas. Our customers face wide-ranging challenges in the fields of national security, health care, and information technology. To address these challenges, we employ intelligent and committed staff who take care of our customers’ success as if it is their own.

Schedule

Sleep Medicine Respiratory Therapists (RTS) will be expected to be available 24/7, including holidays. The normal tour of duty is a 10-hour day and 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• The RTS shall independently evaluate patients with sleep related breathing disorders and their treatment modalities in clinic setting. This includes the evaluation of treatment efficacy through patient interview, equipment data analysis, and review of previous notes and study data.
• The RTS shall perform airway humidification using various devices to include heated humidifiers, cool pass over humidity and Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME).
• The contract RTS shall evaluate PAP equipment and treatment based on doctor’s orders verifying the type of CPAP equipment, pressure settings, comfort levels, mask size and type (nasal, full face, nasal pillows, etc.).
• The RTS shall assess patient understanding and ability to manage their PAP therapy at home.
• The RTS shall establish and maintain understanding of various PAP equipment and functional modes, as PAP equipment is constantly changing and evolving. This includes set up, adjustment and theory of operation.
• The RTS shall communicate with patients via telephone and assist in troubleshooting CPAP equipment problems over the phone. Discuss, understand, and review wireless remote data with the patient.
• The contract RTS shall order various sleep accessories utilizing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Consult system to Prosthetics, coordinate with that department when necessary.
• The contract RTS shall establish and maintain competency in set up, evaluation, and adjusted of various PAP equipment currently in use for treatment of sleep disordered breathing.
• The RTS shall establish and maintain working knowledge of the variety of nonPAP treatments options for patients with sleep disordered breathing, including mandible repositioning device, electrical hypoglossal nerve stimulation, etc.
• The RTS shall recommend and assist in determining appropriate equipment needs and or changes in PAP treatment.
• The RTS shall provide support and advise on in-patient PAP treatment when requested.
• The RTS shall assist in discharge planning/preparation for patients with sleep disordered breathing that require new home equipment arrangements.
• The RTS shall demonstrates and Maintain knowledge of complex Sleep Related disorders including Circadian Rhythm, Diagnostics, Hypersomnia’s, Insomnia, Sleep related movement disorders.
• The RTS shall implement, monitor, and troubleshoot various ventilation modes including Bilevel, Bilevel Auto, Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure Spontaneous/Timed (BIPAP S/T), Bilevel Adaptive-Servo Ventilation (ASV), Average Volume-Assured Pressure Support (AVAPS).
• The RTS shall research CPRS, Remote data, Wireless CPAP Remote data, Vista Imaging for sleep study reports from VAs throughout the country, make phone calls to facilities if information is not available or to the patient if no information is found.
• The RTS shall ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the PAP clinic and that clinic appointment times are done in a proper and consistent manner per the VA Handbook for Scheduling, found in Section D, Attachment 07.
• The RTS shall maintain competency in setup, evaluation, and adjustment of various PAP equipment currently in use for treatment of sleep disordered breathing.
• The RTS shall provide patient and/or family education as indicated.
• The RTS shall recognize the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk.

Qualifications

• US Citizen
• Minimum Education – Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy (RT) Program
• Minimum Experience – 1 year experience, including critical care
• Required Certification – Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credential issued by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• State Licensure - Respiratory Care Board of California
• ACLS
• BLA (American Heart Association
• A minimum of three (3) professional references will be required

All candidates must be able to:

• Sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift
• Lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist
• Lift up to 20 lbs
• Carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance
• Push/pull with 30 lbs of force

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.