Career Center

The Marion Veterans Affairs Medical Center is seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist. The position performs completion of patient assessment through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, direct contact and chart review. Use accepted tools or equipment for measuring/monitoring as a means for determining plan of care. Provide outpatient services, such as home ventilators, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy, and COPD care. Basic Requirements: 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. Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below. (a) VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. (b) RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received. (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. (d) Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. 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). Grade Determinations: 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 dated March 12, 2021.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11. Preferred Experience: 5 years experience, supervisory experience, specialized certification ( AEC, CPFT, COPD Educator, SDS) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 40 lbs, light carrying under 20 lbs, ability to reposition patients with assistance, use of fingers and both hands required, walking 2 hours, standing 2 hours, both eyes required for depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of color, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, near and far vision of 20/40 or better (corrective lenses permitted) ["Major Duties: Performs and Evaluates the efficacy of therapeutic modalities of respiratory care\n- Medication delivery related to respiratory care (nebulized treatments)\n- Initiation and monitoring of oxygen therapy per physician parameters\n- Assists with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (places nasal and oropharyngeal airways)\n- Suctions artificial airways (both temporary and permanent)\n- Performs and evaluates aerosol humidification therapy\n- Participation in care team rounds or huddles\n- Analysis of specimens/testing including, but not limited to, arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal CO2, basic spirometry\n- Collaboration with medical staff members for complex respiratory care cases to aid in positive patient outcomes (recommend intervention and plan of care implementation including, but not limited to, protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems, and advanced modes of ventilation)\n- Skillfully assesses oxygenation and ventilation\n- Performs advanced airway management including, but not limited to, artificial airways and mechanical ventilation (in-line suctioning, re-positioning and securing Endo Tracheal tube, bag valve mask ventilation, ventilator assessment)\n- Serves as a preceptor to RT and RRT at developmental grades\n- May perform limited invasive procedures to be determined by facility complexity and need Work Schedule: Rotation Shifts\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Register Respiratory Therapist/PDFS-11\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]