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The Registered Respiratory Therapist will function as the Home Oxygen/Pulmonary Function Therapist (PFT) Assistant of Respiratory Care at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, LA . The Home Oxygen/(PFT) is an experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist who has obtained advanced knowledge and clinical skills in the provision of care for pulmonary patients. The respiratory therapist promotes quality patient care as a clinical expert, role model, teacher, consultant and researcher. 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. (1) 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. (e) Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential; 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder. (2) Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care. Grandfathering Provision. 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: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. 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: Experience in caring for adult patients in the area of Home Oxygen and Pulmonary Function Testing; would hold an active, unrestricted registry from the NBRC (RRT and PFT); have an advanced education - Bachelor's or Masters given more weight; positive feedback from current and previous managers. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 March 12, 2021 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and walking required. Use of hands and fingers required. The incumbent must pass a pre-employment physical for this position. ["The Home Oxygen/(PFT) must be licensed by a state as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Incumbent must have a thorough understanding and knowledge of the principles, theories, techniques, and practices pertaining to the field of Respiratory Care. They must be able to demonstrate the practical application of these principles, theories, and techniques and have an understanding of related disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, pathology, psychology, and physics as they relate to the field of respiratory care. Duties consist of but not limited to: Receive requests for home oxygen, or other equipment under contract. Reviews for appropriateness as per established guidelines, the therapist forwards to a pulmonary physician for review and signature. Gathers clinical lab data on all patients for the home oxygen prescriptions. Maintains files on all patients enrolled in the home oxygen program as outlined in the Home Oxygen Program P & O Manual. Instructs patients/caregivers on the appropriate use of oxygen. Instruction on the appropriate safety measures and maintenance of all equipment will also be given. Coordinates and conducts a Home Oxygen Clinic for follow-up of patients to evaluate continued need for and compliance with prescribed oxygen. Appropriate use of equipment as well as the status of the patients' underlying pulmonary disease will also be assessed at this time. The therapist will be responsible for educating, on a periodic basis, other health care professionals who are providing patient care under the contract. Coordinates all aspects of performance improvement related to home oxygen measures, and reports data to the Technical Director of Respiratory Care. Acts as liaison for patient problems related to home oxygen. Monitors compliance of the contract by the vendor through monthly reports submitted to the VA by the vendor. Reports directly to the Medical Director of Respiratory Care, when clinical problems arise that the therapist is unable to resolve. Performs pulmonary exercise testing for the purpose of establishing the need for home oxygen therapy. Implement and follow patient an education program, plan of care, and home survey for all home oxygen patients. Assist with development of the Respiratory Care Policy and Procedure Manual. Annually, develop the goals and objectives of the home oxygen program, and report to the Medical Director of Respiratory Care. Assists with special projects as requested by the Shift Supervisor or Technical Director of Respiratory Care. Performs pulmonary function tests including spirometry with and without a bronchodilator, diffusion studies (BODY PLETHYSMOGRAPH), lung volume measurements, and bronchial challenge testing. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 pm - 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 667-00249-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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