Registered Respiratory Therapist

<p>The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVHCS) seeks a Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-11 to join our team. This is the full performance level. RRT's at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The RRT functions within the Respiratory Therapy department and provides basic and acute respiratory care in all areas of the hospital, including the critical care units.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Duties include, but are not limited to the following: CLINICAL: Independently performs basic and acute respiratory care, administration of oxygen and aerosol therapy, positive pressure devices (BIPAP, CPAP), ventilator care to include advanced technology/techniques (i.e., pressure control modality and associated ventilator adjustments and monitoring). The respiratory therapist is responsible for making appropriate recommendations to physicians regarding changes in therapy. Displays knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care. Assess respiratory status of patients through direct contact, chart review, diagnostic data (i.e., pulmonary function tests, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count and related laboratory tests) and other means as appropriate. Performs and responds as a member on the rapid response team, stroke team, code team calls (i.e., code blue team, code 99 team, etc.) Responsible for airway management and assisting with and/or performing endotracheal intubation. Duties may vary according to shift and/or patient care needs, and miscellaneous duties as assigned. Duties may include developing, administering, evaluating, monitoring and modifying respiratory care plans in the acute, critical and/or outpatient care settings using protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Duties may include monitoring critical systems, maintaining the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means, performing process for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, monitoring of patients using oximetry, electrocardiology, and apnea monitoring devices. PATIENT EDUCATION: The Respiratory Therapist (RT) is the expert clinician in the care and management for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The RT will provide education to patients and families as requested for new and chronic respiratory disease management in inpatient, post-acute care and outpatient care settings. Education will include the use and maintenance of home equipment, safety and contingency planning for chronic disease management including, but not limited to chronic disease management, home ventilation and positive airway pressure therapy, home oxygen usage and safety, tracheostomy care and suctioning, nebulizers and aerosol medications. PHARMACOLOGY: Dispense pharmacological solutions as prescribed by physician. Must possess and utilize a general knowledge of indications, contraindications, and complications of medicines and respond accordingly to policy and procedure in the event of adverse reactions and/or appropriate orders as demonstrated through observation, assessment and documentation. ADMINISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION: Documents all respiratory treatments and patient responses in the electronic medical record as per policy. This included documentation in BCMA and CPRS, and the completion of consult requests. Maintains departmental paperwork according to the current standard. Documentation will include appropriate patient information, location of patient, verification of patient name and social security number or date of birth, clearly and thoroughly state the events that occurred during therapy as demonstrated through medical record audit. Documentation will be completed in a timely manner; will clearly state the events that occurred during therapy as demonstrated through medical record audit. To include PRN effectiveness, blood gas entry, event capture, and BCMA if relevant. Ensures all patient consults are completed and closed out, and event capture entries are accurate and completed on a daily basis. Responsible to understand, interpret and comply with Respiratory Care Policies and Standard Operating Procedures. Duties may include leading projects to development and implement new policies, procedures and/or protocols. RESEARCH: May be asked to assist or participate in approved research activities involving the Pulmonary Section. EDUCATION: Completes and maintains current ACLS, BLS, PALS, Out of OR Airway Management Training and/or Certification. Assist in providing learning experiences for respiratory therapy students, allied health professionals and provide instruction where indicated. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm 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. 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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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/.