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. To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. ? 7407(a) for more information. b. 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. d. 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. e. 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). 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: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. The following certifications are desirable but not required: a. CPFT b. RPFT c. RPSGT Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing. ii. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. iii. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing. iv. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. v. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring. Note: Please clearly describe how you meet these KSAs in your resume; we cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position are designated for complexity level 3 facilities only. In addition to the assignments of the full performance level position, incumbents are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment. Preferred Experience: At least 5 years of ICU experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11, March 12, 2021. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Work requires moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); pushing (up to 2 hours); reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); kneeling (up to 2 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); climbing, legs only (up to 2 hours); 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 wye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; and hearing (aid may be permitted). Must be able to work alone and work closely with others. ["This assignment is above the full performance level. Registered Respiratory Therapists at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care to patients in the medical center and may perform other duties, both major and minor. Work is performed in a setting involving regular and recurring exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, odors, exposure to air, mucus, blood-borne pathogens, and needle exposure. Use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, goggles, gown, and/or respirator (as applicable) is required to prevent disease and the spread of infection. Work is occasionally in an atmosphere of high levels of stress and may require overtime hours, the necessity of making decisions will affect the level of care patients receive. Respiratory Care Practitioners are members of both the Code Blue Team and Rapid Response Team. RCPs are responsible for setup and utilization of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment as well as evaluating patient response to treatments and documenting findings in the patients' medical record. Additionally, RCPs assist with intubations, secure artificial airways, evaluate and adjust mechanical ventilation based on Physician or Advanced Licensed Practitioners orders, assess oxygen requirements, assist with pulmonary toilet, and utilization of equipment. The RRT must have knowledge of respiratory therapy and all necessary equipment including concentrators, mechanical ventilators (both critical care and home), invasive and non-invasive ventilation with both vented and non-vented interfaces, High-flow oxygen delivery, CPAP and Bi-level therapy and equipment, pulse oximeters, end-tidal CO2 monitors, suction equipment, oxygen delivery devices and systems, conserving devices, airway clearance devices, portable spirometry testing equipment and metabolic carts. Roles, responsibilities, and duties include: Perform patient, family, and caregiver education as needed. Educate and train new staff, students, and members of the healthcare team. Have expertise in the operation of all respiratory care equipment and be able to select and manipulate the respiratory equipment and therapy to meet patient needs. Consider the age of the patient and any learning barriers as well as personal learning preferences as each relates to the ability to understand directions, provide objective self-assessment, or any other personal information appropriate to the medical treatment plan when assessing a patient, providing care, or providing educational instruction. Perform equipment troubleshooting, mask fittings, equipment cleaning, and calibration/pre-use checks. Monitor vital signs, perform and interpret arterial blood gases, perform clinical assessments, recommend treatment options, and assess patient response. Perform arterial puncture routinely and without supervision by utilizing arterial puncture technique and all necessary safeguards to prevent complications. 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. 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. 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. Intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients being mechanically ventilated (invasive or non-invasive). 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 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. Work Schedule: Variable days and hours, 12pm to 12am. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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