Registered Respiratory Therapist

About the role

The Registered Respiratory Therapist position is located at Northport VAMC. The incumbent serves as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and performs their duties under the supervision of the Chief, Respiratory Care Service.

The RRT performs, within their scope of practice, diagnostic evaluations and engages in the teaching and treatment of patients including the most unusual and difficult cases requiring the highest levels of expertise and professional skills.

What you will do

• 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.
• They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met.
• They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty.
• They Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means.
• RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation.
• They monitor critical systems.
• Lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols.
• Initially and continuously assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination, respiratory monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
• Determines the effectiveness of the therapy being administered, communicates with physician, and suggests alternate modes of treatment as indicated.
• Performs airway and endo-tracheal tube care on patients with artificial airways, including cleaning and securing the trach and endotracheal tube site, in-line suctioning, monitoring tube cuff pressure and inspecting equipment and patient to insure proper function.
• Operates suction catheters attached to vacuum to remove secretions from patients' airways.
• Places nasal and oropharyngeal airways and performing nasal and tracheal suctioning.
• Refers to medical sciences duties while using respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
• Uses infrequently used respiratory equipment, procedures, and techniques when required.
• Sets up and monitors oxygen delivery devices such as cannulas, masks, t-adaptors, face tents, humidifiers and aerosols containing prescribed medication to patients using standard respiratory equipment.
• Skilled in assessment of oxygenation.
• Obtains arterial blood gas samples from patient using ABG kit, heparinized needle with syringe, and from Arterial Line.
• During transport of patients with artificial airways, maintain the patient's airway, ensure ventilation, monitor respiration and oxygen saturation, and performs manual ventilations or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation when necessary as per AHA guidelines.
• Perform patient clinical assessment, equipment setup, education and troubleshooting in areas of bronchial hygiene and lung expansion, home oxygen use, airway care, CPAP and Bi-Level machine and related equipment use, and COPD case management in the outpatient setting.
• Utilizes computer-based technologies, software and programs.
• Documents treatments, pre and post Tx.
• Assessment and results of various checks, tests, procedures, and education pertinent to patient care in CPRS, BCMA.
• Completes patient care as ordered in Respiratory Consult and closes consults.
• The Incumbent completes documentation in CliniComp, SharePoint and enters workload in Event Capture and others as directed by the Medical Center.
• Documents in the medical record, the results of patient and family education.
• Attends and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings where the overall needs of the patient are addressed.
• Communicates orally and in writing changes, adjustments, and recommendations with other healthcare team members.
• Able to communicate with courtesy, clarity, and care in all verbal and non-verbal messages with physicians, nurses, students, peers, and other staff members in order to support the healing of the patient.
• Provides inter- and intra-disciplinary in-services to other health care providers and students.
• Assists in orientation and training of new staff.
• Serve as a preceptor and monitors lower graded staff.
• Plan and conduct training sessions with hospital staff, patients, and family members.
• Assists in implementing solutions to technical and clinical work problems not covered by precedent or established procedures.
• Research and recommend based on the most current data for best practice.
• Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs and evaluation of existing programs, lead projects developing new policies, works on the Root Cause Analysis team in order to determine best practices for our medical center.
• Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment.
• Maintains supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency.
• May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent service/section on medical center, network, or national committees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Work Schedule: Hours include Evening/Night Tour 7:30pm - 8:00am, Holidays and Weekends.
• Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 21S93A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: ***

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current permanent VA employees of the facility. All other VA employees. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

All other applicants. Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Full current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.
• Valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT Respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.