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The incumbent serves as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for Inpatient and Outpatient services with the Respiratory Therapy Section at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. 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 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 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: 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 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Home Oxygen evaluation and safety; knowledge in pulmonary function testing, home sleep studies and home sleep apnea testing, and minimum of two years respiratory work experience in a hospital setting. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 Physical Requirements: Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families. 2. Collects, evaluates and accurately records patient's relevant clinical history or mode of treatment according to policy and procedure. 3. Corrects and ensures all necessary data is recorded accurately. 4. Interacts effectively with patients, physicians and other members of the healthcare team. 5. In emergent situations, provides emergency airway management. In cases of cardiac/respiratory arrest, is independently able to maintain a patent airway, perform rescue breathing and/or chest compressions until assistance arrives. ["Duties include but not limited to: Assessing the respiratory status of patients, using data acquired through physical observation and clinical analysis to determine the effectiveness of therapy and recommending any changes in therapy to the attending physician. Participates in planning respiratory treatment in a multidisciplinary manner with physicians, nurses and other allied health staff. Administering respiratory medications and inhalers; understanding of and knowledge of adverse reactions and dosages. Respiratory therapies including but not limited to bronchial hygiene and hyperinflation therapy, tracheal and nasotracheal aspiration, sputum specimen collection to include sputum induction, 6-minute walk testing, aerosol therapy, as well as all other respiratory therapy prescribed by a physician or healthcare provider. Performing CPR and emergency airway management. Responds to Code Blue and Rapid Response events as a member of the Medical Emergency Response Teams. Performs emergency airway management at codes. This includes proper use of bag-valve mask ventilation with an oral or nasal airway. Performs pulse oximetry and provides oxygen therapy as indicated. Provides oxygen therapy utilizing all available delivery devices. Initiation and management of PAP therapy and devices as prescribed by provider. Sets up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory therapy equipment, such as those utilized for Invasive or noninvasive ventilation. Monitors patients to avoid incidents and alters the plan as necessary. Obtains sample from arterial puncture, prepares sample for analysis and reports critical results as per policy. Responsible for quality control, use and maintenance of blood gas analyzer within the guidelines of local policy and that of CAP. Consults with providers on blood gas results and makes recommendations accordingly. Completes Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), duties include but not limited to: Performs spirometry with and without a bronchodilator, diffusion capacities, and lung volume measurements. Maintains the PFT equipment and quality control in the PFT lab, and calibrates the PFT machine. Prints or transmits test results and readies them for physician interpretation. Assesses for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions to medications or testing procedures and determines appropriate intervention. Assists in assuring timely ordering and stocking of supplies and parts needed in the PFT lab. Performs Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): Evaluates and educates patients on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment. Evaluates CPAP/BiPAP treatment response through reviewing data downloaded from the device, addresses patient issues, and documents visit in patient record. Recommends changes in treatment based on data. Functions as Clinical Coordinator for the Home Oxygen Program and/or assists with Home Oxygen duties which can include but are not limited to: Approving or disapproving of patients applying for home oxygen based on approved guidelines and reevaluation of existing patients with home oxygen. Schedules clinic appointments and performs evaluations and reevaluations of need for home oxygen, including; pulse oximetry, 6 minute walk testing, ABG, etc. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm On-call for evenings, weekends, and holidays. Shift may change due to needs of facility. . Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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