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. Learn more 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. 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, 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-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. At the GS-9 grade level RRT are responsible for the following under general guidance in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. 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 through the use of appropriate mechanical means. RRTs assess and evaluates patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation. They provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Must Demonstrated Knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (Note: Resume must address each of the 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. 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: Must have One year experience at the GS-9 level, demonstrating clinical competencies. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II Appendix G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: On a regular and recurring basis, the employees must be physically and mentally able to perform essential job functions which requires significant standing, walking, lifting, and pushing, plus the ability to handle varying levels of stress in a position manner. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases. Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes. Subject to hazards of flammable, explosive gases. Occasional exposure t unpleasant patient or unit elements handled in emergency or crisis situation. Subject to irregular hours. ["The Registered Respiratory Therapist conducts a program of treatment diagnostic evaluation, management and care of patients with deficiencies, and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system. Provides respiratory therapy to patients as ordered by physician according to established standards and practices. The RRT will have knowledge of developmental and acquired types of cardiopulmonary disorders and knowledge of medical and technological advances in the assessment and treatment of cardiopulmonary disorders that affect young to old age group being served. Duties and Responsibilities include but may not be limited to: Demonstrates behaviors consistent with the philosophy, goals, and commitment to total quality improvement of Veterans Administration Hospital Center. Adheres to all hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations, including attendance. Provides the full range of cardiopulmonary care as needed within the facility. Performs mechanical ventilator management, Bi-pap and respiratory monitoring. The therapist under emergency conditions may be required to independently provide adjustments to machines in conjunction with blood gas studies and ventilator data. performs emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintains adequate airways, measures ventilator volumes, pressures, and flows of patients requiring critical care. Airway management may consist of intubation (nasotracheal and oral) management of airway by suctioning nasally, orally, and via tracheotomy. Therapist is responsible for routine trach changes throughout hospital and nursing home facility. Performs Pulmonary Function testing which requires maintenance and calibration of Collins Computerized Spirometer. Various studies including, (FVC, SVC, FRC, DLCO, MVV) pre and post bronchodilator. Required computers skills, entering collected data of patient results following procedure. Educates patients in various clinical situations including sleep apnea. CPAP with consultation from physician, applies proper fitting of mask, head gear, and setting of pressures in concordance to sleep studio requirements. Documents follow up and evaluates as needed in compliance with JCAHO. Evaluates, documents, and educates patients who fit the criteria for Home Oxygen/or Nebulization Therapy reevaluating as needed per JCAHO requirements. Sets up and checks equipment, administers respiratory medication for aerosol treatment as ordered by the physicians/or by patient driven protocols, charts treatment, response and progress. Evaluates as needed and documents Respiratory status. Communicates with physician of any adverse effects. Maintains logs and records. Performs workload capture for all procedures performed. Trains other staff including physicians and students in issues relevant to respiratory therapy. Performs inventory of respiratory equipment and maintains adequate stock of equipment. Participates in out-patient and in-patient scheduling management. Incumbent has the knowledge of operation and function of Holter monitoring devices and has the ability to perform all Holter monitoring exams. Provides patient care in all outpatient clinics including the phone, virtual, and face-to-face. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. Work Schedule: Tour of duty 8, 10, or 12 hours shifts day/night.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Lucas.Bittenbender@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]