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This position is located at the Charles George VA Medical Center, in Asheville, NC. Incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care, and 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. 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. Education: Must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure: Must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT. Credential: Must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Minimum Qualifications: 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 experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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 policies, procedures or protocols. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Duties include, but not limited to: Identifies and distinguishes the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post care of bronchoscopic procedures Describes the role of a respiratory therapist in diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures. Monitors and evaluates the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices Performs arterial and venous sampling for blood analysis Understands the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. Communicates and educates to empower and engage patients. Develops, administers, and re-evaluates patient care plans. Develops, administers, evaluates, and modifies respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. Retrieves credible sources of evidence. Critiques published research. Explains the meaning of general statistical test. Applies evidence-based medicine to clinical practice. Explains the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital-based respiratory care protocols. Evaluates and treats patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Completes the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. Obtains medical, surgical, and family history. Obtains social, behavioral, and occupational history, and other historical information incident to the purpose of the current complaint. Reviews and interprets pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. Reviews and interprets lung volumes and diffusion studies. Reviews and interprets arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. Inspects the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. Measures vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate). Evaluates patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles. Measures and documents oxygen saturation with oximetry under all appropriate conditions (with or without oxygen at rest and during sleep, ambulation, and exercise). Has the knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care. Performs basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, and maintains knowledge and skills necessary to retain certification as per associated guidelines. Performs endotracheal intubation. Performs as a member of the rapid response team (medical emergency team). Participates in mass-casualty staffing to provide airway management, manual and mechanical ventilatory life support, medical gas administration, aerosol delivery of bronchodilators and other agents in the resuscitation of respiratory and cardiovascular failure. Manages monitoring systems and manages airway devices. Has a knowledge of and can assess the need for therapies in all patient settings. Has knowledge, understanding and troubleshooting skills using airway management in all patient settings. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30PM-8:00AM (Night Shift) Compressed Schedule Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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