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The Respiratory Therapy Department is under Patient Care Services (PCS) at the Iowa City Veterans Administration Health Care System (ICVAHCS). Services are located at the main facility and respiratory staff report directly to the Chief Respiratory Therapist or designee. 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. 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. 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 38 U.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-07 level. (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 or converted to a new temporary appointment. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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). 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 3 above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Respiratory Therapist, GS-05 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. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07 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. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09 Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates 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. 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 described at that level. 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: Basic Life Support (BLS) References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 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: heavy lifting (45 pounds or more), moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), heaving carrying (45 pounds or more), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), light lifting (under 15 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), straight pulling up to 1 hour, pulling hand over hand (2 hours), pushing up to 2 hours, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both arms/hands required or the equivalent required, walking (8-12 hours), standing (8-12 hours), crawling (0.5 hours), kneeling up to 1 hour, repeated bending (up to 4 hours), climbing legs only (0.5 hours), both legs required or the equivalent required, twisting up to 2 hours, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, stooping, stretching up to 2 hours, near vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, specific visual requirement: read medication label and equipment manuals, both eyes required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted); adequate to hear medical alarms/whispered voices, ability to perform PMDB (level determined by coverage area), Patient lifting (mechanical assistance available), sitting (8-12 hours), ability to perform BLS, emotional and mental stability ["The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Assist with developing routine policies/procedures, monitor quality assurance/performance improvement (to ensure patients receive quality care/testing) specifically examining the appropriateness of care, problem identification/prevention, and cost reduction). Precept respiratory therapy students and other health care personnel regarding respiratory care modalities and treatment. Observes and monitors signs and symptoms, general behaviors, reactions and general physical responses to respiratory care treatment and diagnostic testing. Determines whether signs, symptoms, behaviors, reactions or general responses exhibit abnormal characteristics. Performs pulmonary diagnostic testing. Performs diagnostic and testing techniques in the medical management of patients to assist in diagnosing, monitoring and treating pulmonary abnormalities, including measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressures and flows; and collection of specimens of blood and from the respiratory tract. Measures and monitors hemodynamic and physiologic function related to cardiopulmonary pathophysiology. Administers: Medical gases, aerosols and humidification, Lung expansion therapies, Bronchopulmonary hygiene therapies, Pharmacologic and therapeutic agents necessary to implement therapeutic treatment or diagnostic regimens prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner (Physician, Physician's Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) Inserts and maintains artificial airways. The inpatient respiratory therapist will maintain Out of Operating Room Airway Management (OOORAM) certification. Initiates, monitors, modifies and discontinues invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Performs basic and advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS). Performs those advanced practice procedures that are permitted per policy and for which the respiratory care practitioner has documented training and demonstrated competence. Performs EKGs Delivery of consistent high-quality respiratory care and diagnostic services to the assigned patient care population. Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends when necessary, to ensure 24-hour patient care coverage. Performs sleep desaturation studies Administers therapy and treatment ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients in all inpatient wards, outpatient clinics and Emergency Department. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Varies - position is Intermittent and hours/days may vary Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position .Functional Statement #: Registered Respiratory Therapist #000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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