Registered Respiratory Therapist

<p>Ann Arbor Michigan Veterans Affair is hiring a Registered Respiratory Therapist at the Ann Arbor Michigan Veterans Affairs Health Administration. The incumbent will be serving in Inpatient Respiratory Care Department and the Outpatient Respiratory Care Program, under the LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Assigned Duties include but are not limited to- Understands etiology, anatomy, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of common cardiopulmonary diseases. Identifies common issues and limitations of diagnostic testing related to cardiopulmonary testing, including, but not limited to: patients with mobility issues, patients presenting with altered respiratory anatomy (tracheostomy and/or stoma patients, s/p lung resection/removal, etc.), those with cognitive barriers to testing and treatment or safety concerns, limited arterial access, patients that are oxygen-dependent and/or those with diaphragmatic pacers or other neuromuscular issues. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of cardiopulmonary medications and how they relate to patient testing and results. Will be required to complete both inpatient and outpatient annual competencies. Identifies important information to be obtained prior to performing any diagnostic testing procedure, including patient identification, age, weight, gender assigned at birth, smoking history, race, pulmonary history, and current medications that may affect test or test results. Demonstrates ability to perform routine vital sign measurements, including heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, assessment of respiratory pattern and evidence of dyspnea or hypoxemia. 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. Provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as needed. Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, families, coworkers, and other staff to provide exemplary care and service. Collaborates with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team to facilitate patient testing and appointment arrival, as needed. Properly and completely documents all assessments, patient effort, response to testing and the results of any procedure performed in the patient's medical record. All paper documentation must be legible and include the patient's name and identifiable patient information. Provides patient education related to the use of ordered pulmonary medications, including timing, instruction for use, the importance and use of a spacer with metered-dose inhalers, post-medication delivery directions (if applicable), peak flow measurements, pulse oximetry, breathing exercises, airway clearance and/or cough techniques. Keeps abreast of current trends in respiratory care as related to the outpatient pulmonary section and effectively applies that information in practice. Demonstrates knowledge 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) to be worn during all cardiopulmonary testing procedures. Always ensures a safe patient environment. This includes but is not limited to: keeping patient care areas clean, organized and free from trip hazards, completing disinfection of equipment in-between patients, encouraging the use of walkers or other mobility aids when needed, and making recommendations for urgent care follow up, when indicated. Work Schedule: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD92153-A 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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 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>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/.