Inpatient Registered Respiratory Therapist

Veterans Health Administration • Cleveland, OH

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting a Registered Respiratory Therapist to work in Medicine Service. The incumbent provides inpatient respiratory care, assessing patients and delivering appropriate therapeutic modalities, monitoring responses, and managing respiratory equipment. The role includes emergency and critical care interventions, patient and family communication, accurate documentation, education, and participation in departmental and organizational activities. The position is based in the Cleveland VA Health Care System and has a work schedule of 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., consisting of six 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift every two weeks, with alternating weekends and holidays. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. The full performance level is GS-11.

The position requires completion of an accredited respiratory care program, a full, current, unrestricted state license to practice as an RRT, and a valid, current, unrestricted RRT credential. Candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-9 and demonstrate the specified clinical competencies and knowledge, skills, and abilities. ICU or critical care experience within the last two years is preferred. The position may require moderate lifting and other physical activities, including setting up and dismantling respiratory equipment and moving oxygen tanks or ventilators.

Requirements

• Successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by CoARC or its successor.
• Full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), maintained throughout employment.
• Valid, current, unrestricted RRT credential, maintained throughout employment.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-9 demonstrating the required clinical competencies.
• Demonstrated skill in respiratory therapeutic modalities and assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
• Ability to collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to support favorable patient outcomes.
• Ability to perform airway management, including artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
• Ability to consult collaboratively on complex respiratory care and develop care plans.
• Skill in evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic modalities and performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must meet applicable background/security investigation and onboarding requirements; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to pre-appointment drug screening.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, including moderate carrying (15–44 pounds), pushing, pulling, reaching, fingering, use of both hands, walking, prolonged standing, frequent bending, and rapid mental and muscular coordination; color vision, emotional and mental stability, and adequate hearing are required.

Nice To Haves

• ICU or critical care experience within the last two years.

Responsibilities

• Assess cardiopulmonary conditions and understand relevant diseases, medications, medical gas systems, and diagnostic testing.
• Gather relevant patient information before performing respiratory modalities and provide treatments based on assessed needs.
• Measure and assess vital signs, oxygenation, ventilation, respiratory patterns, dyspnea, and hypoxemia.
• Identify indications, contraindications, and hazards associated with inpatient respiratory procedures.
• Recommend treatment alternatives or modifications to physicians based on laboratory results, drug complications or interactions, and patient response.
• Identify complications or barriers related to respiratory modalities and maintain and troubleshoot ventilators, BiPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen systems, and computer systems; report unresolved equipment issues.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to adverse reactions and urgent or emergency situations, including cardiac or respiratory arrest; provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate when clinically indicated.
• Communicate professionally with patients, families, coworkers, and other staff.
• Document patient care accurately and completely in CPRS and the BCMA medication delivery system; ensure consults and orders are accurate and timely and report and document treatment complications.
• Provide patient education about respiratory modalities, stay current with respiratory care practices, attend required training, and participate in interdisciplinary meetings as required or assigned.
• Follow medical gas safety practices, use appropriate personal protective equipment, maintain safe and orderly patient care areas, and notify environmental services of safety-related cleaning needs.
• Plan and maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and families; participate in improvement activities; complete assigned responsibilities on time; meet time and attendance standards; and support hospital and departmental missions and goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Selected applicants may request credit for prior qualifying federal or military service toward annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed