Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary The Registered Respiratory Therapist will be aligned under Acute Care Service at the NAVAHCS - Prescott - AZ. RRT's duties include inline suctioning, repositioning and securing endotracheal tube, bag‑valve mask ventilation, assisting in patient transport and performing ventilator assessment. Further duties include providing outpatient services such as positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care, and providing basic and acute respiratory care in all areas of the hospital. 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. 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 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: RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-11 Experience - Licensure and Credential Candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level Hold an active license and RRT credential Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills and Abilities In addition to the requirements above – 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 References: VA Handbook 5005/141 – Part II – Appendix G11 – Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standards 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) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11 Physical Requirements: Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 50‑100 lbs.) Prolonged extensive or considerable standing/walking Lifting, moving, pushing and/or transferring patients Assisting with lifting and moving patients Lifting supplies/equipment Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies Manual dexterity and mobility Intermittent exertion when performing treatments Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching Duties Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with the use of medical oxygen gas and administration of oxygen delivering devices, humidification and aerosol therapy Administer medications to the pulmonary system and document each procedure electronically Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) and bronchopulmonary drainage – cough and breathing exercises CPAP/BiPAP therapy and documentation in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Spirometry and documentation in CPRS Arterial puncture and blood gas (ABG) analysis – interpretation and recommendation of therapy Participate in maintaining and quality controls of ABG machines in accordance with CAP Intubation of airway – using critical thinking skills and recognizing changes in patients’ condition & responding appropriately (OOTROAM compliant) Recognize need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk 24‑hour Emergency Department coverage – attend all rapid response and code arrests Ventilator set‑up and management until transport team arrives Familiarize self and provide care according to established policies, procedures and protocols Initiate new therapy efficiently and in accordance with policy Report problems following the departmental chain of command Participate in orientation and training of new employees – students and other members of the healthcare team Document all medications administered and procedures performed in Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) – CPRS and Event Capture Patient/family education regarding testing or therapy Follow HIPAA guidelines regarding patient privacy and patient safety guidelines Additional duties as needed and as assigned by the Chief of Respiratory Care Services Work Schedule: 6:00 pm – 6:30 am (night shift – weekends – holidays – and rotating shifts). Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs