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, that are not mentioned below. The incumbent will perform the work in a setting involving regular and recurring exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, odors, exposure to air, mucus, and blood-borne pathogens, and needle exposure. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: 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. 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). 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. 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 (Pulmonary). Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: a. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. b. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. b. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. c. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. d. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. e. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. f. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. g. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Preferred Experience: At least 5 years of ICU, PFT, EBUS, CPET, and bronchoscopy experience preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 lbs.), light lifting and carrying (under 15 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, both legs, 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, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), and hearing with out aid. Environmental factors include unusual fatigue factor of wearing lead apron during procedures, and working closely with others. ["Responsible for setup and utilization of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment as well as evaluating patients' responses to treatments and documenting findings in the patients' medical record. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the circulatory and pulmonary systems and the major organs associated with these systems is required. Knowledge of a variety of related acute and chronic disorders and diseases, their effect on the lungs and heart, and the method of treatment is needed. Knowledge of the pharmacology of common respiratory drugs, common dosages, typical and atypical patient responses and side effects is required. Educate and train new staff, students, and members of the healthcare team. Must 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. Must be able to instruct physicians and other healthcare professionals in the proper utilization of respiratory care equipment and therapy. When assessing a patient, providing care, or providing educational instruction, the employee will 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. Practices professionally, must be reliable, be able to work independently and be self-motivated. The incumbent shall be able to monitor vital signs, perform and interpret arterial blood gases, and perform clinical assessments, recommend treatment options, and assess patient response. Skilled in arterial puncture by utilizing arterial puncture technique and utilizing all necessary safeguards to prevent complications from this technique. Work is primarily performed in the Pulmonary function department however, diagnostic, and therapeutic bronchoscopies are performed in the bronchoscopy suite, radiology, or at bedside. Other Required duties include: 1) Standard pulmonary function testing 2) Bronchial provocation testing 3) Bronchoscopy assisting 4) Fluoroscopy assisting 5) EBUS and Radial EBUS assisting 6) Standard respiratory therapy skills and treatment. 7) Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with the use of medical gases, including carbon monoxide and administration devices 8) Diagnostic Pulmonary Function Testing 9) Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiologic Testing 10) 6 Minute walk Work Schedule: 6AM - 4:30PM, Monday - Thursday Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
