Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) must have a thorough understanding and intimate knowledge of the principles, theories, techniques and practices pertaining to the field of Respiratory Care. The RRT must be able to demonstrate the practical application of these principles, theories, and techniques and must understand related disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, pathology, psychology, and physics as they relate to the field of Respiratory Care. PRINCIPALES MISSIONS : Duties include but are not limited to: Provide respiratory care to critically ill and/or poor risk patients in ICU and Step-Down units. Administer oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy. Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy. Implement adult artificial ventilation upon physician's orders. Maintain and monitor ventilator patients as required and make adjustments based on blood gas analysis with the physician's approval. Administer prescribed medications that pertain to the field, note contraindications and/or adverse reactions, and notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy as indicated. Perform arterial blood gas analysis from arterial puncture or arterial line. Analyze blood with the mechanical analyzer, interpret the results of the analysis, consult with the physician on the results, and make recommendations. Perform maintenance, calibrations, repair, and quality control of the blood gas analyzers. Provide emergency respiratory therapy treatments to critically ill patients. Monitor patient reactions to therapy with the use of pulse oximetry. Perform pulmonary function tests including spirometry, lung volumes, and exercise testing. Work overtime as required by the needs of the department. Document in the progress notes and other areas all pertinent information regarding patient response and tolerance to all forms of therapy and test procedures performed. Participate in research projects under the direction of the Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy. Work Schedule: Full range of shifts, depending on needs of the facility (days, evenings, nights), subject to changed based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00295F, 00296F, 00297F, 00748F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized QUALIFICATIONS REQUISES : Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. (1) 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 appointm

Salaire : $40,736 – $97,087/Per Year | Avantages : http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

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