Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Provide Respiratory Care to all Veterans, both in and out-patients. The Organizational Location of the Position is: Respiratory Therapy Unit, Pulmonary Section, Medical Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Dallas, TX .

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until March 05, 2027 .The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 10, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 03/05/2027. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. Duties may include but are not limited to: Setting up, monitoring, and trouble-shooting volume ventilators in the ICU/SCI and general care areas for those patients that require mechanical ventilation. This includes both in the department records and the patient's chart. Provide airway care for both the ICU/SCI and general care patients. Measure respiratory compliance, tidal volume and inspiratory force. Providing oxygen and life support to patients during CPR. Assisting physicians with elective intubation. Perform emergency airway intubations during CODES. Provide oxygen therapy. Charting all modes of therapy and patient assessments in CPRS, Vista and Essentris. Administration of E-Z Pap therapy, Metaneb and Aerobeka. Administration of medication nebulizers to patients requiring aerosol medication. Removes secretions from patient's airways using a sterile suction catheter attached to a vacuum source. Prepares and installs basic respiratory equipment, CPAP, BIPAP, flow meters, heaters, and tank regulators for patient's use including evaluation of equipment, operation and explanation of procedures to the patient where applicable. Checks patient's equipment to verify proper operation in compliance with doctor's orders. Administration of helium/oxygen mixtures for patients with airway obstruction. Performs tracheal lavage and sputum inductions. Performs chest percussion and postural drainage Evaluates a patient's overall cardiopulmonary condition in relationship to the modes of therapy being delivered in order to determine the need and/or effectiveness of treatment. Transports ventilator dependent patients on portable volume ventilators to radiology and other special procedures areas. This requires staying with the patient and monitoring the ventilator. Measuring tracheal cuff pressures and records in CPRS and Essentris. Provide a complete and thorough report to oncoming shift. Responds to all STAT calls from nurses and physicians for equipment failure and malfunction. Must be able to recognize when equipment is malfunctioning and reports to chief, assistant chief, or charge therapist. Verifies all physician orders before therapy is administered to make certain that all orders are correct. Instructs patients how to improve their ability to breathe during times of respiratory distress. Administers incentive spirometry per physician orders. Changes all equipment and makes certain that all non-disposable items are sent to the SPD unit for sterilization and cleaning. Make sure that all medication administered to patient are the correct dosage and within the expiration date. Draws and analyzes blood gases throughout the medical center. Work Schedule: Nights and rotating weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Autthorized

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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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.