Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

<p>The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist. The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist will function in Medicine Service.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The following duties to include but not limited to for a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist: Supervisory Controls: The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Chief of In-patient Respiratory and is responsible for performing all the functions of their position following department and hospital policies with minimal supervision. Work is reviewed based upon results obtained in supporting the VAMC's mission and meeting specific program goals and objectives. The therapist independently plans and carries out the assignments, makes day-to-day decisions using own initiative, and referring most complex problems to the Supervisor. Cardiopulmonary Disease & Diagnostics: Understands etiology, anatomy, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of common cardiopulmonary diseases; as well as understanding of Cardiopulmonary medications. Understanding of medical gas systems, including delivery, and troubleshooting of essential oxygen delivery systems. Comprehension of testing procedures utilized in the diagnosis and management of cardiopulmonary disease, including, but not limited to peak flow, bronchodilator administration, forced vital capacity, arterial blood gases (ABG), chest x-ray and pulse oximetry. Clinical Competence: Renders treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of respiratory therapy treatment programs. Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with the use of medical gases, administration devices, humidification, and aerosols Administration of medication Ventilator support Broncho-pulmonary drainage and breathing exercises Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Rapid Response Team Maintenance of airways Out-of-Operating Room Intubation (OOORAM) Arterial Blood Gases Blood gas analysis knowledge Patient/family education Performance of routine vital sign measurements, including heart rate, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, assessment of respiratory pattern and evidence of dyspnea or hypoxemia. Identifies indications, contraindications and hazards associated with procedures routinely performed in the in-patient respiratory setting including, but not limited to oxygen administration, aerosol administration, pulse oximetry, and ABG puncture. Perspicacity of standard respiratory drugs (e.g., bronchodilators) including drug action and effects, recommended dosages, and the requirements for administering and storing the drugs. Independently makes recommendations to physicians regarding alternatives or modifications to treatment based on laboratory results, identification of any drug complications or interactions, and the Veteran's response to prescribed treatment. Identification of complications or barriers with any respiratory modalities ordered. Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, including, but not limited to: Ventilators, BiPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen systems and computer systems. Reports any equipment issues that cannot be resolved at the user level to the appropriate personnel. Clinical Practice-Emergency Care: Effectively identifies and takes appropriate action when faced with adverse reactions and patient situations that require urgent or emergency management, including, but not limited to: falls, fainting, acute change in mental status, acute change in HR, RR, or blood. pressure, extreme shortness of breath, hypoxia, chest pain, cardiac and/or respiratory arrest (CODE BLUE/RAPID RESPONSES). Provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Intubates when clinically indicated. Communication/Documentation: Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, families, coworkers, and other staff to provide exemplary care and service. Provides accurate, legible, and complete documentation of patient care in the CPRS system and BCMA medication delivery system. Advocate for ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies. Leads provide clinical practice guidance for other respiratory staff. Education: Provides patient education related to the respiratory modality. Keeps abreast of current trends in respiratory care and effectively applies that information in practice. Health & Occupational Safety: Demonstrates familiarity of critical information related to medical gas systems, including hazards and risks associated with their use and storage. Correctly identifies and demonstrates ability to don proper personal protective equipment (PPE) specific to modality given. Always ensures a safe patient environment. This includes but is not limited to keeping patient care areas clean, organized, and free from trip hazards. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00pm to 2:30am Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:94167-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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/.