REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Duties and responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to the following: Registered Respiratory Therapists at this performance level are required to be proactive in patient care, working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to support the care of our Veterans. This includes reducing exacerbations of pulmonary diseases, decreasing hospital readmissions, and assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary patients. The RRT will be responsible for administering a variety of complex respiratory therapy modalities.

Patients will be assessed through a comprehensive history, pulmonary physical assessment, and chart review prior to the initiation of therapy. Changes in these findings during therapy and the results of therapy will be recorded. The therapist will be knowledgeable about the use of medications in respiratory therapy and will observe the patient for both desired and adverse effects of these medications, as well as the impact of the type of therapy delivering them.

Sets up and monitors Respiratory devices, including invasive and noninvasive ventilators, end-tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen delivery devices, and High-Flow Oxygen delivery devices. Performs routine respiratory therapy treatment to hospital ward patients, such as administering oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy, and bedside pulmonary function testing. Sputum specimens will be obtained by induction as ordered.

Patient education will be provided in all aspects of respiratory care tailored to the individual patient's needs and according to the patient's or their family's ability to comprehend the information. The therapist will serve as an in-service educator to personnel who require knowledge of respiratory therapy procedures, equipment, pulmonary anatomy, and physiology Registered Respiratory Therapists are active members of the Code Blue/Rapid Response Team. They are expected to maintain certification (quarterly) in RQI BLS, ALS, as outlined in MCM 11-148, and Out-of-OR Airway Management (OOORAM) certification, including their live intubation checkoff as a Level II provider.

They must be able to respond rapidly and assist in all areas of the Code Blue/Rapid Response Team process, including performing compressions. The therapist will assist with transport outside the medical center or to other areas of the medical center for patients requiring respiratory support, as indicated. During patient transport, maintains airway clearance, monitors vital signs, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary.

Draws arterial blood gas (ABG) samples from patients throughout the medical center safely and efficiently, and in accordance with established policy and procedure. Able to read, understand, and correct an ABG on unstable patients with metabolic and respiratory needs using respiratory modalities and protocols. Delivers respiratory care as needed in the more complex respiratory care procedures and to high-risk patients, such as those in the older age group with multiple comorbidities.

Participates in the audit of respiratory care, recommending changes where indicated. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care using hospital policies and procedures, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Responsible for assisting the respiratory leadership with creating, revising, and implementing various respiratory procedures, performance improvement monitors and processes, and participating in various clinical-focused committees.

The Registered Respiratory Therapists are active members of the Code Blue/Rapid Response Team and are expected to maintain certification (quarterly) in RQI BLS, ALS, see MCM 11-148 and Out of OR Airway Management (OOORAM) certification including their live intubation checkoff as a Level II provider. They must be able to respond rapidly and assist in all areas of the Code Blue/Rapid Response Team process to include performing compressions. The therapist will assist in transport outside the medical center or to other areas of the medical center for those patients requiring respiratory support as indicated.

During transport of patients, maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs. Work Schedule: Mon- Friday- 8:00am-4:30 pm Telework: NA Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

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.

Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/06/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12921791. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.

Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.

You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.

Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.