Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary) Job in Lexington, KY

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the full performance level assignment at the GS-12 level. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served. Duties include, but not limited to:

• 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.
• Rotates through clinics such as Home Oxygen, Pulmonary Clinic, CVT, etc., and is knowledgeable in all home oxygen processes.
• Performs diagnostic evaluations such as Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity
• Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance
  and Conductance - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation.
• 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.
• Provides quality control oversight to the personnel performing spirometry in the CBOCs and other locations.
• 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,

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a trial period.
• 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).

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

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 09/04/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12786539.

1. 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.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.