Registered Respiratory Therapist

<p>This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Duties of the RRT include, but are not limited to: Administers a variety of complex respiratory therapy treatments. Patients will be assessed by history, pulmonary physical assessment, and chart review before the start of therapy. Results of therapy will be recorded. Use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. Consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. Be knowledgeable regarding the use of medications in respiratory therapy and will observe the patient for desired and adverse effects of those medications, as well as the effects of the type of therapy delivering the medications. Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators (critical systems), end tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen delivery devices, re-breathers, and oximetry monitors. Suggests alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient. Performs routine respiratory therapy treatment to hospital ward patients such as administering oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy. Sputum specimens will be obtained by induction as ordered. Patient education will be done in all aspects of respiratory care pertaining to the individual patient. The therapist will function as a member of the Code Blue and Rapid Response Teams and is expected to be proficient in basic CPR, Emergency Airway Management to include intubation and provide ventilation with use of resuscitation bag. Responsible to maintain a current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Out of Operating Room Airway Management (OOORAM) certifications including intubation checkoff. The therapist will assist in transport outside the medical center or to other areas of the medical center for those patients requiring respiratory support as indicated. During transport of patients, maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary. The therapist will attend continuing education programs inside and outside the medical center as appropriate to keep abreast of changes and developments in respiratory therapy and in other areas impacting respiratory therapy and to maintain CEU's for state license and NBRC credentialing. Draws arterial blood samples from patients throughout the medical center in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with established policy and procedure. Responsible for operation, routine maintenance, daily calibrations, and quality control of the ABG analyzer. Calibrates complex respiratory equipment such as PFT analyzers to assure accurate performance. Provides equipment set up and cleaning, intraoperative assistance, and processing of all clinical specimens in the performance of fiber optic bronchoscopies. Assists physician in performing bronchoscopy procedures. Performs pulmonary function (PFT) studies as required. These include spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusion capacity. Delivers respiratory care as needed in the more complex respiratory care procedures and to poor risk patients such as those in the older age group. Participates in the audit of respiratory care. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care using hospital policies and procedures, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Responsible for assisting the Cardiopulmonary leadership with creating, revising, and implementing various respiratory procedures, performance improvement monitors and processes, and to participate on various clinical focused committees. As time and working hours allow, in-patient therapists will assist in the outpatient cardiopulmonary clinics where they may have responsibility for performing EKG's, PFT's, apply and remove Holter Monitors, editing and retrieval of EKG's, provide CPAP education, set-up's and issue supplies, assist with stress testing and other duties as needed. During non-outpatient clinic hours, EKGs are performed by the therapist's according to policy. Work Schedule: negotiable. Day and evening shifts available, both include rotating weekends/holidays. Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact jennifer.isbell-gross@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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/.