Respiratory Therapist, MW Pulmonology, Outpatient Clinic - Full Time Days

Start the day excited to make a difference...end the day knowing you did. Come join our team.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Pulmonary Diagnostic Testing

• Performs pulmonary function testing, including spirometry (pre- and post-bronchodilator), ensuring accurate patient instruction, proper technique, and reproducible results.

• Conducts lung volume testing (plethysmography) to evaluate restrictive and obstructive lung disease.

• Administers diffusion capacity (DLCO) testing and validates data accuracy prior to physician interpretation.

• Performs FeNO testing to assess airway inflammation and support asthma management.

• Conducts bronchoprovocation testing (e.g., methacholine challenge), including patient screening, monitoring, and response evaluation.

• Performs cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), including patient preparation, physiologic monitoring, and data collection.

• Administers 6-minute walk tests and exercise oximetry to assess functional capacity and oxygen requirements.

• Monitors oxygen saturation and performs oxygen titration studies to determine appropriate supplemental oxygen needs.

• Performs High Altitude Simulation Testing (HAST) for pre-flight evaluation in patients with chronic lung disease.

• Performs maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure testing (MIP/MEP) and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) for evaluation of respiratory muscle strength and neuromuscular disease.

• Performs alternative bronchoprovocation testing including mannitol challenge or eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) for the evaluation of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

• Observes patients throughout testing for adverse reactions and intervenes or escalates care as appropriate.

Pulmonary Function Laboratory Operations

• Calibrates, troubleshoots, and maintains pulmonary diagnostic equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

• Applies ATS/ERS standards to ensure quality, consistency, and clinical validity of all testing procedures.

• Reviews test data for completeness, quality, and reproducibility; repeats or corrects testing as needed.

• Documents procedures, patient responses, and results accurately in the electronic medical record (Epic).

• Supports efficient lab operations by managing workflow, patient throughput, and equipment readiness.

Sleep & Respiratory Device Management

• Downloads, analyzes, and summarizes PAP device compliance data to support provider evaluation and treatment planning.

• Fits patients for PAP masks and provides education on use, maintenance, and adherence strategies.

• Troubleshoots device-related issues and reinforces therapy compliance.

• Supports evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing by collecting and organizing clinical data.

Respiratory Clinical Care

• Performs arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and interprets results to support clinical decision-making.

• Administers aerosolized medications and bronchodilator therapies as part of diagnostic testing or treatment.

• Monitors patient response to therapies and testing, identifying abnormal findings or complications.

• Communicates clinically significant findings promptly to physicians and care team members.

Patient Education

• Instructs patients on proper inhaler and nebulizer techniques to optimize medication delivery.

• Educates patients and families on respiratory conditions, treatment plans, and self-management strategies.

• Provides guidance on oxygen therapy, including safety, equipment use, and troubleshooting.

• Trains patients on CPAP/BiPAP setup, use, and adherence.

• Provides bronchiectasis airway clearance education, including Flutter/Acapella device technique, hypertonic saline nebulizer setup and use, high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vest therapy, and instruction on the daily airway clearance routine.

Program Development & Quality Improvement

• Participates in development and refinement of pulmonary diagnostic protocols and workflows.

• Assists with implementation of new diagnostic technologies and services.

• Monitors quality indicators and contributes to performance improvement initiatives.

• Supports growth of pulmonary services through collaboration with leadership and clinical teams.

• Participates in trainee education and clinical teaching for medical students, internal medicine residents, and future Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellows.

Performs other duties assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

• Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy program.

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

• Basic Life Support (BLS) required at hire.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required at hire.

• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) required within 18 months of hire.

Preferred

• Experience performing pulmonary function testing (PFTs).

• Experience with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

• Experience with bronchoprovocation testing.

• Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C).

• Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) certification.

As an EOE/AA employer, the organization will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

Physical Requirements: Constant (67-100% of workday) walking, standing, use of arms and hands; frequent (34-66% of workday) bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting; ability to lift 35 lbs.; ability to push and pull 20 lbs.; auditory and visual skills to include color determination; ability to work in confined spaces; ability to reach above/overhead.

Mental Requirements: Possesses critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to multi-task. Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team. Capacity to cope with difficult situations. Ability to tolerate irregular hours including evenings, nights, and weekends.

Environmental Requirements and Exposure Hazards: Potential risk of exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals. Potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens; must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

*Clinical positions in Mary Washington Home Health and/or Hospice must also meet driving requirements.

"It is the policy of Mary Washington Healthcare to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability who are applicants for employment or Associates."