The Loma Linda VA Medical Center is seeking a Respiratory Therapists in the Specialty Care Service. Respiratory Therapists are active care providers who are responsible and accountable for assigned patient care. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until the position is filled. The first initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 19, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates of November 19, 2025 and December 19, 2025 or sooner.
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. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.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. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07: Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Assignment. This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level will be responsible for the following assignments with minimal clinical supervision from an RRT at the full performance level in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review and other means as appropriate and share the information with health care team members. They use accepted measuring/monitoring tools for determining plan of care. They place nasal and oropharyngeal airway and perform nasal and tracheal suctioning. RRTs obtain, analyze and report arterial and venous blood gas samples. They perform duties in the critical area with close supervision to include in- line suctioning, re-positioning and securing Endo Tracheal tube, bag valve mask ventilation, assisting in patient transport and performing patient ventilator assessment. RRTs provide outpatient services, such as positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09: Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential: Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Assignments. This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level 9 are responsible for the following under general guidance in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. 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 through the use of appropriate mechanical means. RRTs assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation. They provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11: Experience, Licensure and Credential: Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Assignments. This assignment is the full performance 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 10 policies, procedures or protocols. 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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); heavy carrying (45 pounds and over); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking; standing; repeated bending; standing for extended periods of time.
The Respiratory Therapists is expected to use professional clinical skills in carrying out duties which as their goal have an optimal therapeutic outcome for each individual patient. Skills and duties carried out in accordance with guidelines established by the NBRC, AARC and the polices and procedures of the Loma Linda Veterans Health Care System. Major Duties includes but not limited to: A Registered Respiratory Therapist plans, implements, recommends, and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory related services. Incumbent applies Evidence-Based Medicine clinical practice to inpatient and outpatient services. Systematically collects data from the patient and/or significant other by interview, examination, and review of records. Documents results and patient responses to therapy and tests. Documents relevant patient information on appropriate forms according to department policy and procedure. Understands the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Recognizes, recommends, and communicates the need for medical intervention in the best interest of patient health and safety. Analyzes and compares the patient's health status to the norm. Includes physiological measures to manage specific patient problems. Establishes priorities of care. Plans appropriate teaching/learning activities with patient and staff. Follows established policies and procedures regarding prescribed medication, treatments, equipment use, and patient care. Follows established policies and procedures related to ABG sampling and ABG laboratory regulations. Maintains skills in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Maintains skills to assist or perform of variety of diagnostic procedures including bronchoscopies and arterial blood gas sampling. Implements physician's orders within the scope of Respiratory Care policy and procedure. Structures the environment to provide safety when implementing patient care: Monitors/anticipates hazardous situations. Responds appropriately to fire, safety, disaster drills, and code blue calls. Identifies fire equipment, oxygen zone valves, and is able to cite their use. Uses emergency code numbers and the criteria for calling codes appropriately. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with patients, families, or significant others and with professional supportive personnel who provide patient care in assigned work areas, as well as accepting additional patient responsibilities during their scheduled tour of duty. Coordinates respiratory care with the health care team and works effectively as a member of the health care team. Sustains patient and coworker relationships using tact, good judgement, and courtesy. Initiates, maintains, and manages mechanical ventilatory support, invasive and non-invasive, utilizing a variety of critical care ventilators as appropriate and operates outpatient home ventilators. Maintains skills in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, and End tidal C02 (ETCo2) monitoring. Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Assesses own needs for continuing education and assumes responsibility for professional development. Attends educational programs, workshops, and in-services to increase professional competence in areas such as COPD case management and new ventilator modalities. Reviews policies and demonstrates procedures relevant to clinical assignments. Participates in and has ability to lead the development of new projects including new policies, procedures, or protocols. Applies current concepts and findings from research and/or studies to practice in compliance with department policy and procedure. Develops and conducts research studies leading to the improvement of Respiratory Care or the advancement of the Respiratory Care profession. Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing, universal precautions/isolation procedures, including TB requirement /precautions. Work Schedule: Various Shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized