Respiratory Therapist

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Tacoma, WA

16d • Onsite

About The Position

This Respiratory Therapist position is located at Army Medical Center Madigan in Washington and is a Direct Hire Solicitation. The role provides respiratory therapy care to patients, including critically ill neonatal and adult patients. The therapist sets up and monitors complex respiratory equipment, supports airway management and respiratory diagnostic procedures, and develops care plans in coordination with physician orders and protocols. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized, and salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service.

The position is designated Mission Essential. The incumbent may be required to report to or remain at work during severe weather, contingency operations, natural disasters, or other emergencies. The position requires moderate to heavy lifting of up to 30 pounds, direct patient contact, current Basic Life Support certification, and Respiratory Therapist certification. Employment is subject to background and security investigations, drug testing, a medical examination, immunization requirements, and a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience evaluating and monitoring respiratory therapy patients, performing respiratory diagnostic procedures, and setting up, operating, and maintaining respiratory therapy and emergency airway equipment; this experience is typical of work at the GS-07 level.
• Alternatively, one and a half years of graduate-level education in a field directly related to the position, such as respiratory therapy.
• A combination of qualifying education and experience may be used if it meets at least 100% of the stated requirements.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Respiratory Therapist certification.
• Must consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
• Must complete required background and personnel security investigations, including periodic reverification due to recurring interaction with minors.
• Must undergo pre-employment screening and random drug testing, including random drug urinalysis.
• Must complete a pre-placement medical examination and immunization screening; Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions involving direct patient contact.
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Moderate to heavy lifting of up to 30 pounds is required.
• Must report to or remain at work during severe weather and other mission-essential emergency conditions.
• Applicants using foreign education to qualify must have credentials evaluated and deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. education, or receive full course credit from an accredited U.S. college or university.

Responsibilities

• Instruct patients and families in the use of respiratory equipment for home use.
• Set up and monitor complex respiratory equipment, including ventilatory life support systems for critically ill neonatal and adult intensive care patients.
• Set up, monitor, and troubleshoot nitric oxide delivery systems in the neonatal ICU.
• Assist with surfactant administration to neonates with Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
• Receive written and verbal physician orders and independently apply appropriate protocols for continuing patient care.
• Develop and implement patient care plans for weaning patients from ventilatory life support systems.
• Closely monitor patients to prevent incidents and recommend and adopt appropriate procedures and techniques.
• Independently insert artificial airways into a patient's trachea during emergencies to provide controlled breathing.
• Perform inpatient four-channel sleep studies to help diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.

Benefits

• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.

What This Job Offers

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