Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

The Miami VA Healthcare System's Surgery Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic registered respiratory therapist. Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. You must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center.

Duties

This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Eligible applicants will be referred each week for consideration until a selection is made. Primary Duties and Responsibilities include but limited to: Sets up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume and/or pressure cycled ventilators for critical care patients. Based on patient assessment and analysis of blood gas data independently adjusts ventilator settings to change the patient's ventilator status. Applies conventional ventilator techniques (invasive or non- invasive) such as positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), intermittent mandatory ventilator (IMV), continuous positive pressure (CPAP) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) as well as advanced modalities such as airway pressure relieve ventilation (APRV) and Bi-Level ventilation and any other type of ventilatory modality for which the therapist has been trained. Develops plan for weaning patients from ventilators. Monitors patients closely to avoid incidents and may alter the plan as necessary. Initially and continually assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of the assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination and respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment. The therapist will be able to determine the effectiveness and/or need for change in the therapy being administered. Manages airway and tube care on intensive care patients including cleaning and securing the tracheotomy and endotracheal tube and site, changing inner cannula for tracheotomy tubes as needed, monitoring tube cuff pressure and inspecting equipment and patient to ensure proper functioning of the ventilator. During emergency situations, the therapist will collaborate and independently assist physician with airways management to provide mechanical ventilation to controlled breathing. In cases of cardiac arrest, initiates artificial ventilation using either mouth-to mask techniques or manual bag-mask ventilation to restore patient's respirations and compressions to restore heartbeat. During transport of ventilated patients within the hospital, maintains adequate ventilation and monitors vital signs. Registered respiratory therapists are required to maintain current BLS and ACLS certifications. Draws arterial samples through puncture or arterial blood samples from patient through arterial line. Can use various equipment such as blood gas analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulse oximeters to analyze blood samples and results of blood gas studies. All Registered Respiratory Therapists that work in the STAT Laboratory will maintain a current Florida State License and NBRC Credentials up to date as required by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and (TJC). Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists and nursing personnel relative to the types of treatments and/or medications used, and the set up and operation of respiratory equipment including the necessary cleaning and safety precautions. Calibrates complex respiratory equipment such as mechanical ventilators, blood gas analyzers co-oximeters. Identifies and corrects mechanical malfunction of equipment used in the respiratory therapy service. Records treatments, findings, and patients' progress pertinent to their care. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 7:30 am-4:00 pm (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs). Functional Statement #: 32087F Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Qualifications

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 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: Must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential Exception: 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 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. 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. RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to obtain their RRT credential; the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder. Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials: An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care. 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: Grade Determinations:GS-05. a. Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. b. Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential. c. Assignment. This is the entry level developmental position. RTs at this grade level perform basic therapeutic modalities in all areas of respiratory c