Career Central

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan" - 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? 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: RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. In addition to the basic requirements applicants must meet the following Grade Determinates: 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. Experience includes: obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means. Assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation. Provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. AND Hold an active license and RRT credential. 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). In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The position requires the full scope of an RRT which entails prolonged periods of standing, walking, and assisting to move patients. Other requirements may be sedentary for office and administrative duties. The incumbent must be able to lift heavy equipment or push/move equipment within the patient care setting. ["The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), under the supervision of the Supervisor of the Sleep Lab displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in Respiratory Care. The RRT is responsible for his/her individual program within the service and serves as a mentor to other staff. The services are performed in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Boards of Respiratory Care (NBRC) , American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), and policies and procedures of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Sleep Lab. The protocol and procedures are established for the treatment, management, evaluation, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system with a primary focus on sleep disordered breathing. Major Duties: Use devices such as oximetry, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, positive airway pressure (PAP) machines, other portable sleep medicine devices and laboratory computers Select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices Monitor and evaluate patient clinical responses to PAP devices or other treatment for sleep disordered breathing Perform data downloads from PAP devices and conduct subsequent analysis under supervision by the Sleep Laboratory Medical Director or designee Recognize and address the full range of technological, psychological, and medical issues which may complicate effective PAP therapy, including possible non-respiratory sleep disorders Recognize and report any equipment failure and make arrangements for correction Participate in patient/family education Respond appropriately to \"troubleshooting\" queries from patients and referring healthcare providers under supervision by the Sleep Laboratory Medical Director or designee Identify patients for whom supplemental oxygen in addition to PAP therapy may be appropriate Review overnight oximetry data in the context of evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing under supervision by the Sleep Laboratory Medical Director or designee Recognition of the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk Patient/family education Work Schedule: Nights and weekend rotation\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Registered Respiratory Therapist\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]