Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current permanent VA employees. To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) (dated within the past year). External applicants, please apply under announcement # CBSY-11375992-22-KA for consideration.

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Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

a. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the circulatory and pulmonary systems and other major systems is required. In addition, 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 required.
b. Knowledge of the pharmacology of common respiratory drugs, common dosages, typical and atypical patient responses and side effects is required.
c. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Incumbent will provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP and oxygen therapy.
d. BLS/ACLS/OOORAM Certified
e. Incumbent must have organizational skills and have the ability to use time effectively and efficiently in addition to being able to prioritize work tasks.
f. Incumbent will have a great deal of independence in the performance of their duties.
g. Collect, review and evaluate relevant clinical data from the medical records, care team, patient and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated.
h. Performing both basic and complex therapeutic procedures for adults and geriatric patients. Example; monitoring patients receiving mechanical ventilation, insertion of tracheal tubes, using techniques that include interpretation of clinical data, describing and interpreting arterial blood gas values.
i. Apply clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist the provider in formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, etc.
j. Communicate changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status to other health care team members as appropriate. Additionally, the incumbent will make recommendations to providers regarding changes in treatment based upon patient observation and diagnostic test values.
k. Perform both fundamental and advanced diagnostic procedures. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management, as well as evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
l. Perform both emergency and acute Respiratory Care procedures in accordance with departmental guidelines and industry standards.
m. Evaluate and refer patients for evaluation to pulmonary and sleep providers.
n. Assures appropriate and timely follow up when concerns or issues are raised. Shares information with the respiratory team and provides information in writing to Sleep Service providers and Chief of Respiratory Care when indicated.
o. Develops and implements an individualized plan of care for each patient and assures that the patient is involved in decisions affecting the care provided. Employs several techniques when assisting patients with compliance issues.
p. Provides education to patients/families/care providers relating to the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
q. Provides instruction to patients/families/caregivers on use and maintenance of home respiratory equipment.
r. Responds to patient calls related to home respiratory care.
s. Consistently participates in information exchange via E-mail, informal discussions and planned meetings.
t. Will perform follow ups with certain patients as determined by the pulmonary and sleep physicians, who may require further instruction/assistance. Assures appropriate and timely follow up when concerns or issues are raised. Sets-up diagnostic studies, downloads and evaluates data.
u. Assures that a thorough and accurate home respiratory prescription is entered in Computer systems in a timely manner.
v. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to adjust to change or work pressure in a pleasant manner, handle differences of opinion in a business-like fashion, follow instructions conscientiously, and to function as a team member.
w. Incumbent will comply with all medical center policies and procedures regarding safety, departmental quality assurance and organizational performance improvement.
x. Maintain clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice.
y. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment. Send appropriate emails for based on equipment needs.
z. Participate in in-service education pertaining to respiratory therapy, maintaining a close relationship with other disciplines and students who may rotate through the health care facility.

PLEASE SEE THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS BELOW

Work Schedule: 2-3 days/week, Monday-Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Registered Respiratory Therapist/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel.

Qualifications

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.
  • 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 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:

Respiratory Therapist, GS-05

(a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

(b) Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07

(a) Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
ii. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures.
iii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
iv. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
v. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09

(a) Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:

i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level;
OR
ii. A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
ii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
iii. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
iv. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.

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.

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document.

References: VA Handbook 5005/141 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 in the range of GS-5 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Pushing; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking 6 hours; Standing 6 hours; Repeated bending; Both legs required; Specific visual requirement: Good vision, 1 eye-glasses; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional/mental stability.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.