Registered Respiratory Therapist

Full Job Description

Recruiting for 2 The Registered Respiratory Therapists that will be aligned under Acute Care Service at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS), Prescott, Arizona.

Registered Respiratory Therapists at this grade level will be responsible for the following assignments with minimal or no clinical supervision at the full performance level in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.

Licensure: Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.

Credential: Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT.

English Language Proficiency: applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the grade requirements below.

GS-11 Experience: Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 level.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.

Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Assignment: This assignment is the full performance level.

RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in inpatient and procedural areas (Operating Room and Bronchoscopy procedure).

The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met.

They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty.

They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means.

RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems.

They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management.

RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment.

RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff.

They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus; lifting, repositioning, safely moving patients (over 100 lbs.) with assistance as needed; and pushing or pulling heavy objects (over 50 lbs.) such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator equipment, routinely lifting and carrying small equipment items (less than 50 lbs.).

The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures. Major Duties:

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Provide respiratory care to critically ill and/or high-risk patients.

Administer oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapies. Position patients and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy.

Implement adult artificial ventilation upon physician's orders. Maintain and monitor ventilator patients, adjust based on blood gas analysis with physician's approval.

Administer prescribed medications, noting contraindications and adverse reactions. Notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy.

Perform arterial blood gas analysis, mechanical analyzer interpretation, and consult with the physician. Conduct bedside spirometry. Monitor patient reactions with the use of pulse oximetry.

Dispense pharmacological solutions as prescribed, understanding indications, contraindications, and complications. Provide emergency respiratory therapy for critically ill patients.

Respond to code arrests, initiate new therapies, and assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Perform endotracheal intubation, tracheal lavage, and tracheotomy care as required.

Maintain, calibrate, repair, and perform quality control of blood gas analyzers. Maintain respiratory therapy equipment and ensure proper operation.

Report inoperable equipment following established procedures. Document all respiratory treatments and patient responses in the medical record (including BCMA, CPRS, and event capture).

Ensure timely and clear documentation of therapy events, PRN effectiveness, and blood gas entries.

Document critical blood gas values under the comment section in Vista/CPRS and notify the physician as per ABG policy.

Ensure accuracy and completion of patient consults and encounters daily, closing out in Vista/CPRS. Comply with Respiratory Care Policies, SOPs, and VA policies and procedures.

Handle the confidentiality of sensitive material and patient information. Collaborate with management to develop a productive work environment and maintain positive working relationships.

Participate in research projects under the guidance of the Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy. Work Schedule: 1800-0630 Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized ???????Financial Disclosure Report: Not required