Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing basic and advanced Respiratory services to adult and geriatric patients at the Southern Nevada Healthcare System VA Medical Center; however, the therapist must be knowledgeable regarding the basic treatment of all age groups. The Therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures.

Assists and advises all respiratory staff members which includes, at a minimum, assigning and evaluating the work of the staff, managing staff schedules, and approving leave requests. Recommends and implements changes in organization or work assignments and responsibilities to improve work, services, and job satisfaction. Assumes responsibility that respiratory care services will be delivered to patients on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week if applicable. Assesses and evaluates staff qualifications and competency upon employment and on an ongoing basis. Manages the care and maintenance of respiratory therapy equipment. Maintains current inventory of all equipment utilized, assumes responsibility of care and procurement of same. Determines safety and efficiency of equipment using medical center safety policies and OSHA as a reference. Collaborates with Biomedical Engineering to establish procedures for control of medical equipment. Assumes responsibility for implementation of infection control measures in respiratory care and pulmonary function testing areas. Maintains interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals, coordinates and assists in resolving issues. Resolves problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment. Reviews and recommends new and emerging equipment and procedures. Provides instruction and training to new staff. Reviews, collects, and evaluates relevant clinical data. Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment. Communicates orally and in writing, changes, adjustments, and recommendations with other healthcare team members. Provides effective education and training to patients, students, and co-workers as appropriate. Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Examples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration etc. Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities. Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment. May serve as therapist-in-charge when assigned and/or in the absence of the Chief of Respiratory Care. Promotes a customer-centered environment, taking personal responsibility for problem solving and effective courteous communication with patients, their families, medical staff, students, and co-workers. Provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cultural, cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. A Respiratory Therapist will demonstrate the ability to utilize computer-based technologies, software, and programs. Attends or has access to all annual and mandatory in-services, required meetings and continuing education programs. Formulates goals for professional development annually. Participates in performance improvement and research activities. Maintains BCLS and ACLS certifications Keeps abreast of information and skills related to program area. Shares in the construction of monthly schedules. Performs or assists with the collection of QM/PI data as required for programs. Consistently participates in constructive information exchange via email, informal discussion, and planned meetings. Demonstrates cooperative interactions with co-workers. Works with other members of the healthcare team to provide appropriate and timely care for the patients. Will remain competent in all respiratory care procedures and will work as assigned by Team Leader and/or supervisor. Aids other staff when time is available Flexes assignment as workloads fluctuate throughout the shift. Demonstrates active listening skills. Communicates with patients, family members and other healthcare providers in a clear manner. Demonstrates appropriate verbal and written communication skills in interactions with patients, staff, and visitors. Communicates with Team Leader/Program Leader/Supervisor when fluctuations in assignments or changes in patient condition occur. Work Schedule: Various times Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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 identification 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 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.