Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist - Critical Care

<p>The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist is located in Patient Care Services, Critical Care at the Veteran Health Indiana at Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. RRT's at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care mainly in the inpatient settings. They distribute work among employees and the provide clinical practice guidance for staff and assist with technical work problems.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Supervisory Controls: The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist works under the general supervision of the Service Chief who provides program goals and objectives. The Lead Therapist will review completed work for results achieved and for conformance to department policies and requirements. At this level the Chief places considerable reliance on the Leads knowledge of complex procedures, and completed work is evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy. The following duties to include but not limited to for a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist: The Lead Therapist is administratively responsible for the quality assurance activities, coordination of all educational and competency training as well as the day-to-day operation of the assigned shift. Demonstrate expert knowledge of respiratory therapy methods, equipment, and procedures. They must have the ability to assume responsibility, plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate programs involving Respiratory Care. Oversee work of lower graded associates to achieve department and facility goals. He/she will also oversee staff development and learning, including competency training. Have a great deal of independence in performance of their duties. They will be the person in charge in the absence of the Chief or Assistant Chief and will have full responsibility to modify the workload to accomplish the assigned duties. Collect, review and evaluate relevant clinical data from the medical records, care team, patient and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated. Capable of performing both basic and complex therapeutic procedures for adults and geriatric patients. Monitoring mechanically ventilated patients, assisting with bronchoscopy, interpreting clinical data, and analyzing arterial blood gases and acid-base balance. Apply clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care were indicated and assist the provider in formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, etc. Communicate changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status to other health care team members as appropriate. Additionally, the incumbent will make recommendations to providers regarding changes in treatment based upon patient observation and diagnostic test values. Provide effective and relevant education to the patient, family, students, and facility staff when appropriate. Perform both fundamental and advanced diagnostic procedures. Perform both emergency and acute Respiratory Care procedures in accordance with departmental guidelines and industry standards. Actively participate in departmental quality assurance and hospital organizational performance improvement. The Therapist will comply with all medical center policies and procedures regarding safety practices. The Therapist will demonstrate working knowledge of the appropriate safety protocols. Maintain clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment. Participate in in-service education pertaining to respiratory therapy, maintaining a close relationship with other disciplines and students who may rotate through the health care facility. Assigned a workload, however at a lesser amount than other assigned staff so that they are able to perform other duties that are required for the Lead position. Responsible for performing chart audits, monthly documentation submission and performing In-service education as necessary. Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. They will provide coverage in those areas that require continuous respiratory presence when the assigned staff are on breaks or lunch or must leave for any reason. Monitors department supplies and orders as needed. Checks supplies for expiration dates and ensures package integrity. Utilize VA systems to request repair and replacement of equipment through Information technology and Biomedical departments to ensure proper and timely replacement of supplies and/or repair of broken equipment and devices. Communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. Recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies Work Schedule: Monday - Sunday, Six 12hr Shifts (1930-0800) and One 8hr Shift (1930-0400 or 2330-0800) on varying days. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:FS93121-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.