Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is recruiting for 1 full-time Registered Respiratory Therapist for the Specialty Care Service Line.

Duties

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The Incumbent Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing basic and advanced Respiratory services to adult and geriatric patients at VA Central Iowa HCS; however, the therapist must be knowledgeable regarding the basic treatment of all age groups. The Therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures. Services are rendered in collaboration with the ordering provider, either by specific orders, policy or established protocol. These functions and responsibilities are supported by education and administrative oversight. Periodically specific functions may change. The primary services include, but are not limited to: Collect, review and evaluate relevant clinical data from the medical records, care team, patient and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated. Monitoring patients receiving mechanical ventilation, assisting with bronchoscopy, using techniques that include interpretation of clinical data, describing and interpreting arterial blood gas values and acid base balance. Apply clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care when indicated and assist the provider in formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, etc. Maintain Non-Operating Room Airway Management (NORAM) privileges. Communicate changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status to other health care team members as appropriate. Additionally, the incumbent will make recommendations to providers regarding changes in treatment based upon patient observation and diagnostic test values. Provide effective and relevant education to the patient, family, students, and facility staff when appropriate. Perform both fundamental and advanced diagnostic procedures. Perform both emergency and acute Respiratory Care procedures in accordance with departmental guidelines and industry standards. Actively participate in departmental quality assurance and hospital organizational performance improvement. The Therapist will comply with all medical center policies and procedures regarding safety practices. The Therapist will demonstrate working knowledge of the appropriate safety protocols. Maintain clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice. Provide care in face-to-face settings, telephone settings and via telehealth modalities. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment. Participate in in-service education pertaining to respiratory therapy, maintaining a close relationship with other disciplines and students who may rotate through the health care facility. Perform duties as assigned by management Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. The therapist will provide the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures and will handle conflicts and problems while dealing with customers constructively and appropriately. Routinely identifies any customer/patient situation properly and performs the task necessary to resolve the customer/patient's problem accurately and in a timely manner. The patient shall be involved in decisions affecting the care provided and follow-up as necessary will be performed to ensure a satisfactory resolution. Listen to the patient/customer feedback, positive and negative, act to resolve complaints within his/her control, and report information regarding this feedback to the supervisor in a timely manner. Consistently responds to patients, families, visitors and co-workers request for assistance promptly and in a friendly and cooperative manner. Work Schedule: Full-time 7:30 p.m.-8:00 a.m. / every other weekend Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.