Registered Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapy Position

The incumbent serves as a member of the Respiratory Therapy Section at the VISN 1 VA Healthcare System. The Respiratory Therapy subsection is responsible for providing the full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care.
• Works independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings.
• Uses data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met.
• Consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty.
• Manages and maintains the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means.
• Determines and implements complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation.
• Responsible for performing Home Oxygen Evaluations, Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), Bronchial Provocation Testing (Methacholine Challenge), Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing, Home CPAP/BiP APNP AP set-ups with Compliance Checks, Mask Fitting and Dispensing, Patient Education, and basic maintenance.
• Assesses patients by history, pulmonary physical assessment, and chart review before the start of therapy. Changes in these findings during therapy and results of therapy will be recorded.
• Utilizes knowledge regarding the use of medications in respiratory therapy and will observe the patient for desired and adverse effects of those medications, as well as the effects of the type of therapy delivering the medications.
• Monitors critical systems.
• Uses advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management.
• Suggests alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment.
• Performs invasive procedures such as arterial line placement.
• Serves as a preceptor to lower graded staff and may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday, 6:45 pm - 7:15 am, with weekends and holiday rotations.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: F02862 at GS-05, F02863 at GS-07, F02864 at GS-09, and F02865 at GS-11.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure: Not Required

• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). SF-50s must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.