Summary
Position is within Patient Care Services at Richard L. Roudebush VA, a general medical & surgical facility, classified as a Level 1A complexity with numerous outpatient clinics dispersed over a large geographic region and affiliations with several colleges and universities. Comprehensive healthcare is provided through primary care and long-term care in the areas of dentistry, extended care, medicine, neurology, oncology, pharmacy, physical medicine, psychiatry, rehabilitation and surgery.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Open to current, permanent employees of the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center & subsidiary CBOCs
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Has the skills in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
- Administering respiratory medications including but not limited to nebulized medications, metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, etc. and understands the adverse reactions and dosages.
- Performs oxygen therapy utilizing all available devices used to deliver oxygen.
- Responds to Code Blue -Provides CPR and oxygen needed to patients during cardiac and/or respiratory emergencies. Assists with transporting of patients to appropriate care area. Assists MD in intubation by providing the ET tube, suction, cricoid pressure, ETCO2 indicator, etc.
- Responds to Rapid Response Team (RRT)-Actively participates in assessing the patient's condition. Assists with patient's O2 requirements and transport.
- Responds to Nursing Alerts- Actively participates in assessing the patient's condition. Assists with patient's O2 requirements and transport.
- Participates with medical and nursing staff in treatment planning for patients with respiratory needs. This includes making recommendations to physicians regarding alterations in treatment plans.
- Responsible for assessing the respiratory status of patients by observing pulse rate, observing respiratory rate, auscultation of breath sounds, monitoring SpO2, and interpretation of blood gas results.
- Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities.
- May lead projects developing new policies, procedures, or protocols.
- Cleans, assembles, calibrates, and monitors complex respiratory/diagnostic equipment, including but not limited to ventilators, CPAP/BIPAP machines, transport ventilators, bedside spirometers, percussors, oximeters, and assisted-cough devices, AirVo's and Nitric machines.
- Must be proficient and demonstrate competency and the ability to either set up or reprocess reusable medical equipment as applicable for all equipment for which you have been trained
- Draws arterial blood samples and recommends potential changes in patient care plans, based on results. Can report and make recommendations of venous blood gas results.
- Documents patient care and/or procedures performed accurately in the computerized medical record system, on worksheets, and/or in logs as required. This includes, but is not limited to, CPRS, Essentris and BCMA.
- Assists in bedside bronchoscopy and other complex respiratory procedures.
- Performs and/or assists physicians with testing and studies, including but not limited to oxygen saturation, end tidal/expiratory carbon dioxide, bedside spirometry, nocturnal oximetry, intubations, extubations, and therapeutic/diagnostic bronchoscopies and weaning parameters.
- Assesses the effectiveness of ventilation management including management of care of patient on CPAP/BiPAP, and developing plans for and implementing therapies, and techniques used to liberate patients from mechanical ventilation.
- Understands the advantages and limitations of each type of Respiratory Therapy equipment and can speak about its use and therapeutic technique
- Educates and trains new respiratory staff, students, and members of the patient healthcare team.
- Serves as a preceptor to lower graded staff.
- Educates patients on proper use of respiratory therapy treatments, including but not limited to nebulizers, CPAP/BIPAP machines, Incentive Spirometry, etc.
- Perform airway management to tracheal and endotracheal tubes.
- Able to implement advance modes of ventilation. As appropriate, adjusts ventilator parameters to bring about a change in the patient's respiratory status.
- Performs aerosol therapy, AccuPAP, oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy, VEST therapy, and sputum induction. Provides suctioning to nasal and tracheal airways.
- Able to set-up NitricOxide delivery system via ventilatory and face mask. Able to calibrate and maintain system.
- May be required to function as the sole responsible respiratory therapist on a shift if circumstances dictate.
- Completes all annual and mandatory training requirements.
- Can provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care.
Work Schedule: Two week pay period: 6 12hr shifts from1930-0800 and 1 8hr from 1930-0400, ALT weekends. Will discuss the work schedule during interview.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 91349A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
- 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.
- 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G11 Qualification Standards
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS11.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS.
a. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 3 above, 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-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. March 12, 2021 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.
(c) Assignment. This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level will be responsible for the following assignments with minimal clinical supervision from an RRT at the full performance level in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review and other means as appropriate and share the information with health care team members. They use accepted measuring/monitoring tools for determining plan of care. They place nasal and oropharyngeal airway and perform nasal and tracheal suctioning. RRTs obtain, analyze and report arterial and venous blood gas samples. They perform duties in the critical area with close supervision to include in- line suctioning, re-positioning and securing Endo Tracheal tube, bag valve mask ventilation, assisting in patient transport and performing patient ventilator assessment. RRTs provide outpatient services, such as positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care.
(3) 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:
- Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
- Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
- Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
- Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
(c) Assignments.
This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level 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 evaluate 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.
(4) 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. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
(c) 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G11 Qualification Standards
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS09.
Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in all patient care areas (in-patient or outpatient). All respiratory therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. The respiratory therapist is expected to be able to move, lift, bend, and stoop while performing duties with equipment, supplies, and patients. Respiratory therapists must demonstrate the ability to handle stressful, challenging situations in a positive manner.Functional Requirements:
- Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over
- Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds
- Pushing
- Pulling hand over hand
- Use of fingers/ Both hands required
- Walking 3 hours/ Standing 3 hours
- Repeated bending various hours
- Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
- Specific visual requirement (glasses permitted)
- Ability to distinguish basic colors
- Hearing (aid permitted)
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
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
MOST RECENT SF-50 THAT SHOWS THE FOLLOWING:LATEST STEP INCREASE AT THE GS-6 LEVEL OR SHOWS CURRENTLY AT THE GS-7LEVEL
SF-5O'S THAT SHOW COST OF LIVING INCREASES(COLA), AWARDS/BONUSES AND SHOW LESS THAN 1 YEAR AT THE GS-6 LEVEL MAYBE NEEDED AS WELL AS MOST RECENT STEP OR GRADE INCREASE SF-50 IF NOT IN SAME CALENDAR OF THE POSTING APPLYING FOR
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 (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- OF-306
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- 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.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
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 07/23/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12460626.
- 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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