Registered Respiratory Therapist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Wyoming; On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs Sheridan VA Medical Center seeks a skilled Registered Respiratory Therapist to lead clinical education and drive respiratory care policies. The role includes clinical leadership, program development, and staff mentorship to ensure high-quality patient care.

The incumbent will oversee respiratory care operations, conduct competency checks, and collaborate across inpatient and outpatient teams, advancing modalities and patient outcomes in a complex care

Qualifications

• Must have completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC.
• Hold an active license and the RRT credential for the duration of employment.
• GS-12 requires one year of creditable experience at GS-11 level and competency in respiratory care.
• Preferred NBRC specialties (RPFT, CPFT, RPSGT) are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies and guidelines for respiratory care.
• Recommend new modalities and analyze complex respiratory data.
• Oversee day-to-day respiratory care operations and related fiscal activities.
• Mentor inpatient and outpatient RRT staff and conduct competency checks.
• Build clinics and clinical grids to improve patient care.

Skills

PFT testing

Stress testing

Quality control

Polysomnography

Ventilation management

Education

CoARC-accredited program

RRT credential

State licensure

Job description

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at Sheridan VA Medical Center serves as a clinical educator, responsible for developing & implementing policies & guidelines, recommending new & emerging modalities, performing complex analytical analysis, & managing day-to-day respiratory care operations & related fiscal activities. The incumbent builds clinics & clinical grids, conducts competency checks, & mentors both inpatient & outpatient RRT staff.

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.
• English Language Proficiency. RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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.

Grade Determinations.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.

• Experience, Licensure and Credential
  • One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
    • Assignments at the GS-11 level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols.
  • Hold an active license and RRT credential. The following certifications are desirable but not required:
    • Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT),
    • Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or
    • Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT).

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs).

1. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing.
2. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing.
3. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing.
4. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data.
5. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring.

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in leadership, preceptor, educator, or supervisory role.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible RRT experience, preferably in an acute care setting.
• Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as RRT, with additional specialty credentials (such as Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT), or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD Educator) are often highly desirable.
• Experience with complex patients/populations such as veterans with COPD, ALS, spinal cord injury, or another complex comorbidity.
• Proficiency in department improvement, protocol development, and/or policy writing.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, serve as a subject-matter expert, and/or lead quality or safety initiatives.
• 5 years of progressively responsible clinical experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in a hospital setting, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or education role.
• Experience in the VA Healthcare System and with the care of complex cardiopulmonary patients is preferred.
• Advanced credentials such as Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) are highly desirable.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements:

VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Work is primarily performed in out-patient care areas but can be both inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient. Carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs.). Driving to patient's homes and outreach clinics.