Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

• This Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) position serves as a member of the Cardiopulmonary Section of Medical Service at the Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks and is responsible for providing the full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care. Duties of the Registered Respiratory Therapist include, but are not limited to: Administers a variety of complex respiratory therapy treatments Patients will be assessed 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 Use 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 Knowledgeable 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 Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators (critical systems), end tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen delivery devices, re­breathers, and oximetry monitors Performs routine respiratory therapy treatment to hospital ward patients such as administering oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy Responsible to maintain a current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Out of Operating Room Airway Management (OOORAM) certifications including intubation checkoff Draws arterial blood samples from patients throughout the medical center in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with established policy and procedure Responsible for operation, routine maintenance, daily calibrations, and quality control of the ABG analyzer Delivers respiratory care as needed in the more complex respiratory care procedures and to poor risk patients such as those in the older age group Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care using hospital policies and procedures, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines Work Schedule: Night Shift, 6:00pm-6:30am, with rotating weekends (Subject to change based on the needs of the service) Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-5, 564-01455-F; GS-7, 564-01456-F; GS-9, 564-01457-F; GS-11, 564-01458-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhafavhrsbu@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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.