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. This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels.

• Use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met.
• Consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty.
• Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means.
• Determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation.
• Monitor critical systems.
• Use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management.
• 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.
• Serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff.
• May lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols.
• 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.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm with regular travel (25%) between Springfield and Leeds facilities to meet the needs of the Nursing, Operations Service.

Telework: Not available on a regular or recurring basis, situational telework only.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: F02865

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized