Summary
Incumbent will work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The RRT uses data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They work independently 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.
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Work is performed independently by full performance level RRTs under physician medical direction often without direct supervision;
- Therapists perform work under the guidance of written provider orders. Orders are expected to be verified prior to administering the care, treatment or service.
- The therapist will have knowledge of a variety of related acute and chronic disorders and diseases, their effect on the lungs and heart, and the method of treatment.
- The therapist will be clinically competent, self-motivated and able to work in an independent manner understanding their role not only as a member of the greater health care team, but also as an advanced therapist expected to perform at the full performance level.
- The therapist understands their responsibilities to guide lesser experienced and lesser credentialed therapists to help them advance in their skills.
- The therapist will pro-actively stay abreast of current concepts in Respiratory Care.
- The therapist will have knowledge of changes over the life span of the patient and have the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status to identify each patient's requirements relative to age-specific needs.
- The therapist will have the ability to plan and conduct training sessions with, students, hospital staff to include physicians, other respiratory therapists, patients and caregivers/family members.
- The therapist will be trained and skilled in utilizing proper techniques for obtaining, transporting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting arterial blood gas samples in a timely manner.
- The therapist is responsible for adhering to pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic guidelines to protect the integrity of the sample and ensure quality results.
- The therapist will be trained and familiar with both blood gas/co-oximetry instrumentation and analysis, and able to perform required special testing for lab accreditation purposes.
- The therapist's primary responsibility is to help maintain a patent airway at all times for the patient.
- The therapist will be trained and skilled in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care including but not limited to the initiation, patient education, performance, and documentation of various modes of therapy, including but not limited to side-arm nebulization, oxygen administration, humidification and aerosolization, chest percussion and postural drainage, coughing/deep breathing exercises, positive airway pressure therapy, airway secretion clearance devices, naso/endotracheal suctioning.
- The therapist will have knowledge of the pharmacology of medications used in the delivery of respiratory care, common dosages, typical and atypical patient responses and side effects.
- The therapist will be able to initially assess the patient using chart review, bedside assessment skills to include but not limited to auscultation, vital signs, review of chest x-ray, and pulse oximetry.
- The therapist will also be able to skillfully reevaluate the efficacies of therapeutic modalities by reassessing the patient utilizing arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, peak flow maneuvers, end tidal CO2, basic spirometry, other diagnostic procedures and bedside patient assessment skills.
- Under physician direction, the therapist will be responsible for initiating and maintaining both invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation to include the use of advanced modes of ventilation.
- The therapist will be responsible for performing and documenting routine patient status / ventilator system checks at designated intervals according to policy. Ventilator checks are to include but are not limited to status of usage and current parameter settings as compared to current provider order, patient assessment, alarm settings, ordered ventilator changes, weaning parameters, spontaneous breathing trials, extubations, and any relevant information reflecting the care and/or treatment of the patient.
- Electronic data collection system (Clinicomp) will be utilized to capture ventilator settings and values in real time to ensure data is inside the electronic health record.
- The therapist will be trained and familiar with all aspects of both invasive and non-invasive ventilators used in this facility, as well as trouble-shooting techniques.
- The therapist will be able to assess ventilated patients via arterial blood gas analysis, monitor information, ventilator feedback, and bedside patient assessment skills to evaluate and effectively communicate respiratory status including complex respiratory cases to determine if current care plans seem appropriate and outcomes are being met.
Work Schedule: Shift varies, multiple shifts available, will be discussed during the recruitment/interview process.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 60306-F
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.
- 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:
a. 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.
b. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. English Language Proficiency.
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).
Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all hybrid title 38 qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education, credential or certification requirements that apply to this occupation. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education, credential or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation.
(2) Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(3) Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure, certification or registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure, certification or registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher- grade levels.
(4) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure, certification or registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(6) If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation or employment with the VA, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation and/or VA.
Grade Determinations: 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.
Preferred Experience: 3-5 years Respiratory Therapy experience.
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-11.
Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen cylinder or wheeled computer equipment. VHA practice and training incorporate a limit of 35 pounds for routine patient care repositioning and lifting tasks. 3. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate procedures.
Work Environment 1. The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks and discomforts which require special safety and health precautions, e.g., working regularly with patients and in situations where there is a risk of exposure to contagious diseases, odors, and/or flammable gases. 2. The therapist is required to wear protective clothing such as gloves and a mask to prevent disease and the spread of infection.
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:
- Full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT
- Valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Resume
- Transcript
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
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT
- Valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Performance Appraisal
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
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.
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 10/07/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12556750.
- 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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