Registered Respiratory Therapist

<p>Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRTs) work independently providing basic and advanced respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The Registered Respiratory Therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Major duties include, but are not limited to: Will have a great deal of independence in the performance of their duties. Reviews, collects and evaluates relevant clinical data from the medical record and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Examples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration etc. Applies clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist the provider is formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, etc. Manages and maintains the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means by monitoring critical systems. Performs basic spirometry, pre/post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, plethysmography, and MIPs/MEPs in the lab or at bedside, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Compares and evaluates indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. Calculates, notes, and reports all pulmonary function parameters for physician interpretation. Collect, review, and evaluate relevant clinical data from the medical records, care team, patient, and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated. Contributes ideas, plans, and information to improve outpatient respiratory services. Supports multiple Outpatient Programs such as home oxygen, home respiratory equipment, ALS clinic, bronchoscopy clinic and pulmonary procedure clinic. Communicate changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status to other health care team members as appropriate. Additionally, make recommendations to providers regarding changes in treatment based upon patient observation and diagnostic test values. Performs patient assessment for home oxygen determination, including, but not limited to thorough chart review and patient interview to determine age, smoking and pulmonary history and other pertinent information. Demonstrates proficiency performing routine tasks within the home oxygen clinic including, but not limited to qualification/determination of need for home oxygen for both new patient consults and renewal of prescriptions, pulse oximetry, initiation and downloading overnight pulse oximetry studies, initiation and titration of oxygen, patient and/or caregiver education regarding home oxygen equipment and supplies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53059F, 53060F, 53036F, 53037F/Registered Respiratory Therapist 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>Accreditation Information: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. https://coarc.com/ 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/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. NOTE: If your school was accredited by CoARC at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.