Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

The Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for independently administering complex respiratory therapy treatment to ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. The respiratory therapist uses judgment in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures, equipment, and techniques for application to specific cases. The therapist identifies and analyzes factors related to equipment operation and patient responses to discern their interrelationship. Major Duties Include but are not limited to: Consult literature on a regular basis (e.g. AARC Times, Respiratory Care, etc.) to stay acquainted with alternative modes of therapy and keep technically up to date. Cleans, sets up, and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as oxygen equipment, mechanical ventilators, CPAP/BIPAP machine, and therapeutic gas administration apparatus for critical care patients. Follows all respiratory care Sputum Collection for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB), Rapid Response Team (RRT), and ventilator wearing protocols to include Bronchodilator Therapy Protocol and Oxygen Protocols. Performs diagnostic tests to include arterial blood gas analysis, spirometry, pulse oximetry, weaning parameters, peak flow, end tidal C02, metabolic, and negative inspiratory force. Performs or assists with bedside bronchoscopies to include right BALs as ordered by a pulmonary physician. Performs all respiratory care procedures throughout the medical center, to include sputum collection for AFB, therapeutic aerosols, metered dose inhalers, oxygen therapy, chest physical therapy, and breathing exercises. Evaluates efficacies of therapeutic modalities. Initially and continuously assess the cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination and respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment. Administers oxygen involving the use of variety of standard respiratory equipment to include low flow and high flow systems. Performs airway and tube care on patients including nasotracheal and endotracheal suctioning, cleaning and securing the tracheostomy and endotracheal tube and site, changing endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes per physician's order, monitoring tube cuff pressure, and inspecting equipment and patient to ensure proper functioning of the ventilator. Provides patient education for inpatients, outpatients, and home care pulmonary rehabilitation to include such things as respiratory therapy equipment, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD), chest physiotherapy and/or postural drainage, breathing exercise, metered dose inhaler treatments, nebulizer treatments, suctioning, peak flows, arterial blood gases, oxygen therapy, and other mucus clearing clearance devices such as PEP therapy and Flutter valves, etc. Performs advanced ventilatory management. Maintains ACLS and BLS provider status with appropriate certifications. Obtains blood gas samples from patients through arterial punctures or from arterial catheters. Analyzes, interprets, and reports blood gas results. Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists, nursing service personnel, physicians, and students relative to respiratory care. Demonstrates appropriate verbal and written communication skills in interaction with patients, staff, and visitors. Communicates with Supervisor (or Shift Leader in Supervisor's absence) any changes or fluctuations in assignments. Inspects, cleans, tests, and properly calibrates respiratory therapy equipment, according to policy and procedure, to ensure equipment functioning safely and efficiently, placing work orders for repairs when necessary. Records treatment, findings, assessments, and patient education and progress notes in CPRS and CliniComp. Assists with smoking cessation, home oxygen or ventilator assessment/visits, patient transports, and continued quality improvement. Actively participates in multidisciplinary team meetings to include team meetings in MICU/SICU, and physician rounds in the intensive care units. Works as part of the team of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to manage patient care. Attends all mandatory training in-services as directed by the supervisor or Medical Center. Serves as shift leader in the absence of the supervisor. Provide coverage, as needed in outpatient clinics (PFT, CPAP HST) Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 3:30 pm - 12:00 am, 11:30 pm - 8:00 am, rotating Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21R77-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor. Licensure. Persons appointed or reassigned to Registered Respiratory Therapist (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. Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below. (a) VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. 5 (b) RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received. (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. (d) Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupat