Summary
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. Program 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.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to all United States Citizens.
Duties
The Registered Respiratory Therapist is expected to display proficiency and perform at a level of excellence in all Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Services. The RRT expected to practice professionally, must be reliable, able to work independently and be self-motivated.
The duties of the Registered Respiratory Therapist include, but are not limited to the following:
- Performs basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results.
- Compares and evaluates the indications and contraindications for sleep studies.
- Identifies and distinguishes the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post core of bronchoscopy procedures.
- Performs arterial and venous sampling for blood analysis.
- Develops, administers, evaluates, and modifies respiratory core plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines.
- Explains the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols.
- Evaluates and treats patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols.
- Completes the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members.
- Reviews and interprets pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests.
- Inspects the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies.
- Evaluates patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles.
- Performs basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, endotracheal intubation, arterial line placement and management, IV and/or midline placement and management.
- Participates in mass-casualty staffing to provide airway management, manual and mechanical ventilator life support, medical gas administration, aerosol delivery of bronchodilators and other agents In the resuscitation of respiratory and cardiovascular failure
- Makes treatment recommendations based on waveform graphics, pulmonary mechanics, and imaging studies.
- Identifies indications for circulatory gas exchange devices.
- Collaborates with other professionals in cure management built upon evidence-based medicine and clinical protocols.
- Delivers therapeutic interventions based on evidence-based medicine and clinical protocols.
- Assesses the need for therapies (medical, humidity, aerosol, lung expansion, airway clearance, airway management and mechanical ventilation) in all patient settings.
- Determines indications/contraindications for therapy.
- Determines appropriateness of order and need for physician intervention.
- Monitors patient's response to therapy.
- Recognizes and rectify equipment malfunction.
- Follows Standard Precautions for infection control.
- Recognizes complications and respond to adverse effects.
- Recommends therapy modifications.
- Assess therapy effectiveness.
- Documents therapy.
- Evaluates compressed gas cylinders, regulators and flow meters, oxygen conserving devices, high-flow air-entrainment systems, oxygen and air-flow-meter mixing systems, air/oxygen blenders, nasal cannulas, high-flow nasal cannulas, non-reservoir masks, reservoir masks, air-entrainment masks, nitric oxide therapy, helium/oxygen therapy, unheated passive humidifiers, active and passive heat-and-moisture exchangers (HM Es), heated humidifiers for medical gas delivery systems via mask, tracheal catheter, and artificial airways, non-medicated, large-volume nebulizers, heated and unheated, delivery of medication, nebulizers for continuous nebulization, pressurized metered-dose inhalers, dry-powder inhalers, physiologic action, adverse effects and doses and peak expiratory flow meters and inspiratory flow meters.
- Calculates and modifies drug dosing.
- Evaluates incentive spirometers (flow-based and volume-based), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) devices, bi-level positive-pressure breathing, positive expiratory therapy (PEP), etc.
- Performs the head-tilt chin-lift airway-opening maneuver and jaw lift without head extension maneuver
Work Schedule: Night Shifts (10:00 pm - 6:00 am, including Weekends, Holidays and On-Call as per service needs.
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN8CCOE@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
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 Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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. To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following:
- 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 VA Handbook 5005, Qualification Standards. 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, GS-9
Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential; Candidates must have: One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR, A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential.
In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
1. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
2. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
3. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
4. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
Grade Determination RRT GS-11 (Full Performance Level)
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.
In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
1. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.
2. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
3. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish language.
Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes Moderate lifting, 15 -44 pounds; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have to ability to stand for possibly long periods of time. Possible exposure to body fluid is involved. For additional information, see VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11 Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0601 VHA.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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, resume, 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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes*:
- Resume
- Copy of State(s) License(s) as RRT, required.
- Copy of Credential(s) from the NBRC as CRT and/or RRT, required.
- Copy of School(s) Transcript(s), required. (If your school program was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the websites, or has changed names, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating). A transcript from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions must be submitted with your application.
- Copy of BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.
- Copy of ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification.
- NOTE: BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification, selected applicant must have a current BCLS and ACLS at time of initial appointment or reassignment.
* Applicants who do not include these document will NOT be considered. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- Transcript
- VA Form 10-2850c*
- DD-214 (If claiming Veterans Preference)
- VA Disability Letter (If claiming Veterans Preference)
- SF-50 (If current/former Federal employee)
* VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf. Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/18/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12444480.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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