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The primary responsibilities and functions performed by the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)/Pulmonary Procedure Lab (i.e., bronch lab) therapist in the Minneapolis VAHCS encompass diagnostic evaluation, assessment, care plan development and provision of respiratory care services to both inpatients and outpatients throughout the facility. 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. 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. 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. 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 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: i. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. ii. 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. iii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. iv. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. v. 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: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR ii. A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrate Knowledge, Skills and Abilities In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. ii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. iii. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. iv. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. 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: 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, Part II Appendix G-11, Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-0601, Veterans Health Administration. 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. ["A recruitment incentive has been authorized for highly qualified applicants. Services are rendered in collaboration with the ordering provider, either by specific orders, policy or established protocol. These functions and responsibilities are supported by education and administrative oversight. The primary services include, but are not limited to: a. Demonstrates proficiency in all acute, sub-acute and critical care areas b. Demonstrates and promotes positive image through professional conduct, appearance and communication c. Provides recommendations based on assessment of patient and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions d. Sets up and monitors complex respiratory care and diagnostic equipment such as invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilators and high flow systems, titrates settings based on patient response e. Performs as a member of the CPR code team f. Maintains databases and records and submits complete and accurate reports such as: supplies ordered; equipment repair; crash cart testing; results of cultures; procedure related complications; patient safety g. Assists with scheduling appointments and communicates procedure schedule to physician and nursing staff h. Provides veteran/family with pre-procedure instructions and performs post procedure follow up i. Assists with procedures, ensures pre- and post-procedure orders are complete and correct j. Prepares veteran for procedure, provides education, accesses PAC films, orders labs and tests per policy/protocol, ensures pre-procedure testing is complete, resolves issues related to patient lodging and transportation k. Ensures procedure room is maintained in a state of readiness I. Communicates with appropriate wards and services to coordinate veteran arrival in lab and performance of all necessary tests m. Monitors veteran during procedures and recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and pro-actively n. Ensures completion of the safety check list prior to each procedure o. Maintains video procedure library for use during Chest Conference p. Ensures equipment and lab are clean, set up, checked out and available for immediate use q. Participates in evaluation of new equipment/procedures r. Develops and participates in Continuous Improvement initiatives s. Participates in development and updating of policies, procedures and protocols/order sets t. Recommends changes in policy and practice in response to changes in medical practice/evidence, procedures or equipment, Joint Commission or other regulatory standards u. Recommends corrective action plans for deficiencies found during regulatory surveys and monitors for compliance v. Participates in performance improvement and research activities w. Assists with outpatient Respiratory/Pulmonary programs as needed, such as; Sleep/PAP, home oxygen, lung nodule tracking, pulmonary clinic x. Performs assessments for complex, and/or new respiratory care modalities y. Assists with completion of department paperwork/audits z. Participates in orientation and training of new employees, acts as a preceptor and performs competency assessments aa. Develops, prepares and participates in respiratory therapy-related education provided to patients, caregivers, students and hospital staff bb. Provides additional, non-traditional, respiratory care services as determined by MVAHCS and Respiratory Care department needs Work Schedule: Every other weekend, Every other holiday, Combination of 8 and 12 hour shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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