Registered Respiratory Therapist

<p>RRTs frequently collaborate with specialists in medicine, pulmonology, cardiology, and anesthesiology. The aim is to improve breathing mechanics once the airway is blocked, or the lung function is jeopardized. RRTs suggest medicines that the patient need to ease their breathing problems. Equipment and approaches in respiratory system therapy include ventilators, non-invasive ventilation, including biphasic positive airway pressure, continuous positive airway pressure and nebulizer remedies.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The major duties of the Registered Respiratory Therapist includes but is not limited to: Provides CPR and oxygen needed to patients during cardiac and/or respiratory emergencies. Participates with medical and nursing staff in treatment planning for patients with respiratory needs. This includes making recommendations to physicians regarding alterations in treatment plans. Responsible for assessing the respiratory status of patients by observing pulse rate, observing respiratory rate, auscultation of breath sounds, monitoring SpO2, and interpretation of blood gas results. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities. Must know the JCAHO Home Care standards relating to home oxygen and home respiratory equipment. Must follow the Home Oxygen Program VHA Directive 1173.13. This Veterans Health Administration (VHA) directive provides policy and assigns responsibilities for administering the Home Oxygen Program to eligible Veterans. May lead projects developing new policies, procedures, or protocols. Cleans, assembles, calibrates, and monitors complex respiratory/diagnostic equipment. Draws arterial blood samples and recommends potential changes in patient care plans, based on results. Can report and make recommendations of venous blood gas results. Documents patient care and/or procedures performed accurately in the computerized medical record system, on worksheets, and/or in logs as required. Order / coordinate with the vendor, a care plan to ensure the patients travel oxygen needs are met during the duration of his/her travel. Coordinates with Prosthetic Services and Vendor to ensure patient receives appropriate equipment and services. Work Schedule: PRN/Intermittent, various days Monday - Friday. 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m or 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Based on need. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92873-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. 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/.