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Registered Respiratory Therapist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Cheyenne VA Health Care System

Summary

The Cheyenne VA Health Care System is looking to hire a Registered Respiratory Therapist for the Cheyenne VA Medical Center.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$34,799 - $120,899 per year

Per FY2026 RUS pay table and Special Salary Rate Table V215

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 11
Promotion potential
11
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Intermittent - Variable schedule with up to 36 hours per week.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBSU-13045776-26-TLK
Control number
881762900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent facility employees, Department of Veteran Affairs employees, and current/past/upcoming VHA Health Professions Trainee (HPT) Graduates. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties

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Duties:

GS-5/7/9

  • Medication delivery related to respiratory care, initiating and monitoring oxygen therapy, assisting with cardiopulmonary resuscitation suctioning of artificial airway, evaluating and performing aerosol humidification therapy and participating in care team rounds.
  • Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
  • Analyze physiological specimens obtained, including 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.
  • Skilled in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
  • Ability to perform basic airway management, including artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
GS-11
  • Care is to be provided with the therapist able to function independently and make sound decisions relating to respiratory needs of the patient utilizing clinical and laboratory data.
  • Responsible for performing. diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as needed.
  • Monitors complex respiratory equipment such as volume and pressure ventilators for patients who are critically ill.
  • Implement planned weaning and monitor the patient for adequate ventilation during the weaning process.
  • Responsible to make patient assessments of cardiopulmonary status utilizing data obtained through physical examination, laboratory testing, and monitoring various indicators such as oximetry, carbon dioxide, and pulmonary function.
  • Responsible to insure proper airway and tube care for patients in ICU.
  • Must have basic life support training and provide documentation of current certification.
  • Draws arterial blood sample by arterial puncture and/or arterial line withdrawal.
  • Responsible for documenting pertinent information regarding patient care to include ventilator checklists, medications, and progress records, writing verbal/telephone orders for co-signature, department records, and other records as assigned.
  • Coordinates scheduled appointments for inpatients and outpatients with physician and other departments as appropriate.
  • Performs data entry into the computer daily for all procedure done in Cardiopulmonary.
  • Performs oximetry checks per established department protocols for home oxygen patients to assure they re-qualify within the qualifying range required.
  • Participate in cleaning and cold sterilization of some respiratory equipment and will always adhere to all RME and manufacture recommendation on the cleaning process.
  • Performs the following procedures with proficiency and confidence under minimal supervision: Oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy.
  • Maintain, adjust, weans and monitors patients on a ventilator.
  • Measuring and charting of tracheal cuff pressures.
  • Transports ventilated patients to radiology and other special procedure areas.
  • Analyzing blood with mechanical arterial blood gas analyzer.
  • Will respond to emergencies, make assessments, and implements proper actions and judgments, and responds to all Code Blue/Medical Emergencies and provides assistance within scope of practice.
  • Performs bedside pulmonary function testing as required. Performs all respiratory therapy tasks using aseptic techniques to provide best care available to the patient.
  • Educate patients in proper methods of breathing devices and use of home oxygen. Ensures operating supplies are readily available for patient care.
  • Works with outpatients to assist them with various devices, such as CPAP/BiPAP, use of home oxygen, etc.
  • Assist with discharge planning of any patient identified to have a need for home respiratory care services.
  • Completes daily encounter information related to capturing daily workloads.
  • Prepares departmental requisitions, charges and other paperwork that pertains to the department.
  • Prepare, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform quality control as well as quality improvement tracking of blood gas analysis.
  • Perform and accepts other duties as assigned.
  • Provides assistance in developing, implementing, evaluating and education regarding Patient Driven Protocols.
  • Updates and maintains policy and procedures manual. Maintain ABG records according to CAP requirements.
  • Participates in Quality Assurance programs for the Cardiopulmonary/Neurology Services as directed by Chief of Cardiopulmonary (CPL) or supervisor.
  • Completes assigned and delegated responsibilities within established time frames.
Work Schedule: Intermittent, variable tour of duty, up to 36 hours a week.
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Not Virtual
Functional Statement #: 61543A, 61544A, 61545A, 61546A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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 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-0601series 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-0601series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT.
  • Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below.
    (a)VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07level.
    (b)RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received.
    (c)RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT.
    (d)Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year orconverted to a new temporary appointment.
    (e)Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, RTs must actively pursuemeeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day oftheir appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from dateof appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and mayresult in termination of employment. The Human Resources (HR) Officestaff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRTcredential; 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and3)the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline.The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior toentrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic OfficialPersonnel Folder.
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).

Grade Determinations:

GS-5

Experience.
None beyond the basic requirements.

Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential.

GS-7

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.
GS-09

Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. C
andidates 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.
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.
And
  • 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.
Preferred Experience: Echo-Tech

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-5 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Employee understands they will endure prolonged periods of sitting, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, and stretching. Much of the work is sedentary, but can involve walking, pushing, bending, standing, moderate lifting and carrying light items such as books, papers, files and supplies as needed. The Employee must be able to lift items up to 50Ibs. The employee under

Education

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/.

Additional information

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.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the the following order:

  1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility
  2. All other VA employees
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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

Are you interested in a career that offers a true work-life balance? Look no further! Cheyenne VA Health Care System offers a perfect mix of professional growth and personal fulfillment. With opportunities to provide integrated, patient-centered care to Veterans using state-of-the-art methods, you can thrive professionally while enjoying life outside of work.

Located in Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital and largest city, Cheyenne VA is located conveniently to stunning natural attractions like Curt Gowdy State Park, Medicine Bow National Forest, Pole Mountain, and Vedauwoo. These areas offer endless outdoor activities and host historic and cultural events, making Cheyenne an ideal place to start a career, raise a family, or ease into retirement.

Serving nearly 24,000 Veterans, Cheyenne VA is a 22-bed general medical facility providing acute, chronic, inpatient, and outpatient services. The facility offers extended care services for Veterans within the 42-bed Community Living Center and in-patient behavioral health with a 10-bed Domiciliary.

Join us in delivering compassionate care while enjoying a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle!

Agency contact information

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
Phone
719-227-4600
Email
V19USAJOBS@VA.GOV
Address
Cheyenne VA Health Care System
2360 East Pershing Boulevard
Cheyenne, WY 82001
US

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