Respiratory Therapist Vascular Access Specialist

Company: Skagit Regional Health
Location: Arlington
Posted on: April 8, 2025

Job Description:

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

You can get further details about the nature of this opening, and what is expected from applicants, by reading the below.



*Job Summary*

The Respiratory Therapist - Vascular Access Specialist (RT-VAS), functions as a specialized Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) providing assessment, treatment and monitoring of patients with acute illness or cardiopulmonary compromise. This individual provides support for the equipment necessary in the care of these patients and assists physicians and other medical/surgical support staff in conducting activities necessary for interventions, physiological monitoring and direct patient care. Performs technical, physical and patient service functions needed in the Cardiopulmonary/Respiratory Therapy Department. Department operates under the professional guidance of a physician, and as written in Department and Hospital policy and procedure manuals. Incumbent may perform venous and arterial line placement and management. Performs outpatient CP exams. Delivers RT services as ordered by physician. The RT-VAS is dedicated to providing quality service in a timely, courteous, and cost effective manner. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.



*Essential Functions*

The RT-VAS provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care and cardiopulmonary services to patients of all age groups conducts and critical monitoring procedures in addition to routine Respiratory Therapy care to include: --- Mastery of sterile technique --- Ultrasound use to include; IV, Arterial Line, CVC insertion. --- Seldinger and Modified Seldinger line insertion technique --- PICC and Midline insertion --- Insertion, monitoring and troubleshoot of Arterial pressure monitoring lines --- Set-up, monitor and troubleshoot of all pressure transducing lines --- Participation in Resident's training, of Central Line insertion and sterile technique --- Safe and appropriate removal of invasive lines and catheters This individual is a technical and educational resource for patients, family members and other members of the patient care team. The RT-VAS will assess data reflective of the patient's status and appropriately interprets information relative to the patient's age-specific needs. The RT-VAS must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span. The RT-VAS will be competent working with patients in the Emergency Department, PACU, AC, and Critical Care and may also function as the shift Lead Therapist. Knowledge and Standards of Performance: RT-VAS are responsible for cardiopulmonary emergencies providing airway management , as well as manual and mechanical ventilatory support using a variety of devices and techniques; administering therapeutic gases, inhaled aerosol medications and humidity therapy; obtaining, reviewing and interpreting data as well as assessing the need for and response to respiratory care interventions with medical and nursing personnel to optimize patient care planning; performing arterial blood gas analysis as well as the running, maintenance and upkeep of the blood gas machine; performing a variety of cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures; upon completion of certification and or competency demonstration in Vascular Access skills, works with Vascular Access team responsible for patient assessment and evaluation in collaboration with physician, nursing and pharmacy regarding appropriate line placement for specific IV therapy involved; care and maintenance of Central lines; smoking cessation, self-administration and proper use of equipment and supplies; demonstrated ability to work independently ; ability to establish and maintain productive and positive working relationships with internal and external customers; Responsible for knowing and adhering to departmental rules and regulations while performing in a professional manner. Knowledgeable of the various needs of patients due to their age and determine appropriate care. Responsible for completion of all procedures scheduled in a timely manner without compromising quality. Keeps current on performing emergency department procedures; respiratory and/or cardiopulmonary modalities; performs all job duties in accordance with recognized safety procedures. Use proper procedures for infection control. Processes and Procedures: Perform exams in accordance with approved departmental and hospital policies and procedures while meeting the standards of performance as required by accrediting agencies and the Medical Director of Respiratory Care as well as utilizing proper procedures to insure patient safety while in department. Utilizes division and unit documentation tools according to established guidelines. Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to train and teach or instruct personnel or patients regarding vascular access devices Knowledge/Use of Equipment: Be knowledgeable of all equipment within the Respiratory Care Department, including manual and electronic equipment related to Central Lines in accordance with approved departmental and hospital policies and procedures. Resource Utilization: Demonstrates responsible use of resources, including time, facilities, supplies, equipment, staff, information, finances, education and developmental assets. Uses and disposes of confidential information appropriately. Shares expertise and knowledge with others. Cares for equipment properly. Practices accountable and productive time management. Shares responsibility in facility upkeep (i.e.: see it, own it, do it, solve it). Seeks information and plans work to maximize team effectiveness. Maintain ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office (Outlook) and department specific software applications to perform work. Communicate effectively and cooperatively in the workplace. Actively contribute to the achievement of Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities. Complete all mandatory learning requirements in a timely manner. Attend and actively participate in all department, team and/or committee meetings. Comply with all Skagit Regional Health, department and location specific policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.



*Education*

Graduate of an AMA approved school of Respiratory Therapy, AAS required. Associates Degree in clinical or business area preferred. Credentialed through the NBRC, registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) required. Current Washington State RCP license. BLS is required upon hire. ACLS and NRP Certification required within 6 months of hire. VA-BC certification required within three years after completion of orientation. PALS preferred.



*Experience/Training*

A minimum of three years' experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist preferred. Minimum of three years of recent hospital critical care experience preferred. Must have excellent understanding of all equipment and procedures performed routinely in a hospital Cardiopulmonary/Respiratory Therapy department.



*License/Certifications*

Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the State of Washington. Registered with NBRC required. Must obtain RRT within the introductory period. American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS required. American Heart Association Provider ACLS required within 6 months of hire. NRP certification required within 6 months of hire. PALS required within 6 months of hire. PALS for current employees by 6/30/2024. If incumbent is designated for PICC, PICC line certification within 6 months of designation (or equivalent written proficiency).



*Other Skills*

Advanced skills in critical care and in-depth knowledge of hemodynamic monitoring required. Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays required. Adapts well and calmly to unpredictable situations within the patient care settings. Must have effective interpersonal skills, patient assessment skills and basic computer skills.



*Physical Demands and Work Environment*

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.



*#INDTECH *

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38.63 - $56.05 per hour



Experience:
* Respiratory therapy: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:
* RCP License (Required)
* BLS Certification (Required)
* ACLS Certification (Required)
* PALS Certification (Required)

Ability to Commute:
* Arlington, WA 98223 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:
* Arlington, WA 98223: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Keywords: Skagit Regional Health, Everett , Respiratory Therapist Vascular Access Specialist, Healthcare , Arlington, Washington