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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.. 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. c. 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 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: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Education, Licensure and Certification: Candidates must: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level, Hold a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited college or university in respiratory care, cardiopulmonary science or a health-related field. Hold one of the education certifications for pulmonary disease for Patient Educator OR a certification for adult critical care specialist for Staff Educator. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of instructional techniques to educate respiratory therapists in proper performance of respiratory processes and procedures. Ability to educate individuals of varying backgrounds. Skill in training RRTs, other staff and/or patients/caregivers on existing and newly acquired equipment, therapies and medications. Ability to determine the continuing education needs of staff to identify appropriate resources to meet those needs. Ability to develop clinical policy, procedures, protocols, competencies and simulations relative to respiratory care. Preferred Experience: Department development Managing operation/capital budget/expenses LEAN, 5S Projects, AIDET, Rounding, Staff Workflow Matrix Creating/Updating policies/procedures BCMA, ORCA, CPOE References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 II-G11-1 Appendix G11. REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST, GS-0601 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-12. Physical Requirements: Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Pulling hand over hand; Pushing; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Crawling; Kneeling; Repeated bending; Climbing, legs only; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Working around dust, closely with others, and alone; ["This assignment is designated as an Educator and can be designated as a Patient Educator, Staff Educator or a combination of both areas. Educators are responsible for the overall educational program for the specific area (patient, staff or combination) in respiratory care. They participate in the department's quality assurance program, especially with respect to identifying opportunities for improvement and developing quality and performance assessment tools. The Registered Respiratory Therapist assigned to the inpatient area is an essential member of the patient care team. He/she will collaborate with all members of the health care team to deliver quality care. 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. The RCP will be provided the opportunity to participate in special projects or committees. The inpatient therapist's specialized duties will include: Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. Assess vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate) . Evaluate patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles and inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. Initiate and monitor aerosol and oxygen therapy. Work with home oxygen coordinator or vendor to set up new oxygen patients when home oxygen is indicated (primarily on Holidays and weekends). Volume Expansion Therapy. All aspects of mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive). Intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients being mechanically ventilated (invasive or non-invasive). Respond to all Code Blue situations and Rapid Response calls. Assist with intubation and securing the airway. Daily evaluations for SBT and extubation per protocol. Q4 oral care and Q shift (and PRN) tube care. Blood gas procurement for analysis via arterial puncture Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests and recommend appropriate interventions and/or adjustments in therapy based on results Total airway care and management, including the care and management of artificial airways. Bronchoscopy prep and assist. Bedside diagnostic respiratory testing. Total tracheostomy care including changing out trachs. Attending rounds on ICU/MICU/CCU/SICU patients. Participate in daily inter-disciplinary rounds specifically on rehab and spinal cord injury units. Recognize changes in patient's condition and respond appropriately. Monitor and thoroughly document effectiveness and patient response to all therapies Management of Acute and Chronic Respiratory Disease including understanding the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. Able to develop, administer, evaluate, reevaluate, and modify respiratory care plans for both the acute and home setting utilizing evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines to provide quality care. Communicate and educate to engage and empower patients with respiratory disease Communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing, with other members of the health care team on patient response to therapy, change in condition, and recommend alternative therapies when appropriate. Set up, cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting of all respiratory equipment. Reports concerns/problems according to policy and procedure. Be proficient with the use and functions of home mechanical ventilators, intensive care ventilators, transport ventilators, drawing and interpretation of arterial blood gases, CPR, oxygen delivery devices, suctioning of the airway, CPAP and Bilevel therapies ,airway clearance maneuvers and proper infection control techniques. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8AM - 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Please contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator Stacy Hermann @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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