Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

<p>This position is located in the Pulmonary Section, Medical Service at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Monterey Duty Station. The incumbent serves as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) providing respiratory care to Veterans with cardiopulmonary deficiencies, diseases, and abnormalities in both inpatient and outpatient settings.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for providing the full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care to Veterans with cardiopulmonary deficiencies, diseases, and abnormalities in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Administers a variety of therapeutic respiratory therapy treatments including medication delivery, oxygen therapy, aerosol/humidification therapy, and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators, end tidal CO2 (ETCo2) monitors, oxygen delivery devices, and oximetry monitors Performs patient assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other appropriate means to develop and implement a plan of care, including initiating protocols and monitoring critical systems Performs bedside diagnostic tests including arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, and basic spirometry to assess the respiratory status of patients Manages and maintains airway and ventilation of patients through use of appropriate mechanical means, including artificial airways and advanced modes of ventilation Calibrates complex respiratory equipment such as ventilators and analyzers to assure accurate and safe performance Performs routine respiratory therapy treatments to inpatient and outpatient populations including administering oxygen, therapeutic aerosols, Aerobika, and chest physical therapy; draws arterial blood samples via arterial puncture for laboratory analysis Consults collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality patient care, recommend changes in treatment based on patient observation and diagnostic test values, and contribute to favorable patient outcomes Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists and nursing personnel on treatment modalities, medications, equipment setup and operation, and applicable cleaning and safety precautions Documents patient treatment, findings, and progress notes accurately and timely in the electronic medical record (e.g., CPRS, Vista Imaging) Provides outpatient services including PAP therapy, oxygen therapy, home ventilator management, and COPD case management via face-to-face and Tele/VVC encounters Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. You may be required to serve a trial period. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 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. 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 dentification 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).<h3>Education</h3>IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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/.