This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until 9/29/23, candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Respiratory Therapy is a life-supporting, life-enhancing health care professional practice under qualified medical supervision. Respiratory care services, both diagnostic and therapeutic, are provided to patients with known or suspected disorders of the cardiopulmonary system. 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. English Language Proficiency: CRTs 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: GS-11: Experience, Licensure and Credential: Candidates must have One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; AND 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 professional for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. Skill in performing advance airway and ventilation management. Assignments: This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Preferred Experience: preferred 2 years of experience, but 1 will be accepted References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service requirements. ["Independently performs all aspects of respiratory care treatments. These include but are not limited to aerosol therapies, metered-dose inhaler, chest drainage and percussion, and any other related treatments as may be indicated and/or ordered by a physician and performed by respiratory care personnel, as per departmental procedures. Cleans, sterilizes, and assembles all respiratory care equipment as may be required per manufacturer or departmental SOP. Performs routine adjustments as needed. Effectively assists with the orientation of new employees. Effectively assists in the development of pertinent unit procedures/standards for implementation. Ensures that aseptic technique and standard precautions, as defined by CDC and Center policy, are always maintained. Contributes effectively to procedures and decisions related to the delivery of care. Demonstrates basic computer skills consistent with job requirements. Effectively utilizes continuous quality improvement tools and identifies performance improvement opportunities to positively influence patient outcomes. Member of the Code Blue team (resuscitation team), the Rapid Response Team (RRT), and Medical Assistance Team (MAT). The respiratory therapist takes an active role in resuscitations and is responsible for airway management (endotracheal intubation), ventilation, blood gas obtainment and analysis, and overall resuscitation. The delivery of oxygen, bedside pulmonary function testing, and other care as may be required and as per departmental procedures in an emergency situation immediately and without prior physician notification. Performs critical care patient management techniques such as mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gas analysis, intubation, airway management, hemodynamic calculation and any other such patient related functions as deemed within the scope of practice of respiratory therapists and institutional policy. Obtain arterial blood gas samples as indicated and obtains the results via blood gas analysis. The results are communicated with the respective physician after analysis is complete. Document appropriately per departmental SOP on all current charting platforms. Selects and adapts respiratory care procedures as may be required based on patient status. Actively consults with the physician and any other health care provider as deemed necessary to provide optimal care. Provides instructions to the patient and his/her family regarding theory, operation, cleaning and actual use of cardiopulmonary treatment modalities as may be required. Provides education and instructions for physicians, students, and other health care disciplines may be requested. Maintains operating supplies in proper storage and communicated with designated party as to supply-status. Performs bronchial hygiene, such as suctioning and sputum sampling and induction as deemed necessary by personal observation and/or upon request by the physician. Assisting with bedside bronchoscopies is required.The incumbent will assess, identify, and provide care that recognizes the differing developmental and treatment needs of patients of different ages. The incumbent will specifically recognize the differing needs of the adult and geriatric patient populations served. Performs other duties and patient care as needed and as requested/assigned by the Director, Medicine Service; and/or his/her designee's. Work Schedule: Variable Shifts, days and nights Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
