Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist serves as a member of the Specialty Care at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. This position is responsible for providing a full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care.

Qualifications

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
• English Language Proficiency
• RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-11
• (a) 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
• (b) 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
• Preferred Experience: Experience in caring for adult patients in the ICU - floor or ward
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• Current permanent VA employees and Federal employees from other federal agencies should apply under CBST-12936386-26-TM
• Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) are responsible for independently administering treatment to ambulatory - non-ambulatory and critically ill and/or poor risk patients in MICU and Step-Down units
• Administer oxygen - aerosol - humidity - and positive pressure breathing therapy
• Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage - noting the effectiveness of therapy
• Implement adult artificial ventilation upon physician's orders
• Maintain and monitor ventilator patients as required and make adjustments based on blood gas analysis with the physician's approval
• Administer prescribed medications that pertain to the field - note contraindications and/or adverse reactions - and notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy as indicated
• Perform arterial blood gas analysis from arterial puncture or arterial line
• Analyze blood with the mechanical analyzer - interpret the results of the analysis - consult with the physician on the results - and make recommendations
• Provide emergency respiratory therapy treatments to critically ill patients
• Monitor patient reactions to therapy with the use of pulse oximetry
• Perform pulmonary function tests including spirometry - lung volumes - and exercise testing
• Document in the progress notes and other areas all pertinent information regarding patient response and tolerance to all forms of therapy and test procedures performed
• Participate in research projects under the direction of the Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy
• Duties as a Representative of the Veterans Administration: Communicate the philosophy - aims and policies of hospital administration to patients and their families - team members - and other hospital personnel
• Maintain rapport with other departments to improve the quality of patient care
• Assume responsibility for professional growth through continuing education and participation in professional organizations
• Promote and participate in patient education and rehabilitation by explaining procedures and therapies to the patients and their families
• The incumbent provides emergent out of OR airway management and is trained and competent to perform airway management
• This airway management includes the insertion of artificial airways - i.e. - endotracheal tubes - LMS tubes - in emergent situations - and is under the direct supervision of the Chief of Emergency Care
• Work Schedule: Full range of shifts - depending on needs of the facility (days - evenings - nights) - subject to changed based on the needs of the facility
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00324F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized