Registered Respiratory Therapy Job in Miami, FL

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities

• The incumbent performs a variety of activities regarding Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) in the pulmonary laboratory. This includes the operation, calibration, and maintenance of commonly used instruments such as computerized pulmonary function testing equipment, and oximeters.
• The incumbent is proficient in the execution of standardized pulmonary function tests such as forced and slow vital capacity, flow volume loops, measures of airway resistance, functional residual capacities, maximum voluntary ventilation. The incumbent is proficient in bronchoscopy support, and arterial blood gas draw.
• He / She operates exercise equipment (treadmill, bicycle ergometer). Performs and calculates diffusing capacity by steady state and single breath methods. Performs studies of lung mechanics, which Include the use of a body plethysmograph, sensitive pressure and flow recorders and multichannel electronic recorders for precise measurement of airway obstruction, thoracic gas volume, compliance, and other parameters.
• The Incumbent operates a computerized system for the measurement of lung volumes, air velocity indices, anatomic dead space, nitrogen washout curve, single breath nitrogen study for determination of closing volume. The incumbent checks off the status of the control point and keeps a constant check on the current balance.
• The incumbent is expected to have knowledge of the physiologic principle of each test, as well as the technical skills. He/she effectively instructs patients as to when and how to perform breathing exercises.
• He/she performs bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies.
• They monitor for complications of this testing and initiate interventions prior to notifying the supervising Pulmonary Physician.
• Because of the complexity of the physiologic studies, the technician must become involved in all phases of the work so that he/she can not only perform the studies but also have a clear under standing of their significance to enable him/her to interpret and apply findings to the overall picture. The incumbent prepares and prints the results of PFTs for the clinician to
• interpret including performing an initial quality review of test results.
• The incumbent is expected to be in close communication with the clinicians if he/she estimates that a patient requires clinical attention. This includes notification of significant abnormal tests or need of additional studies.
• The incumbent should be proficient in recognizing if a patient requires immediate attention by a clinician. The incumbent should actively involve patient education while performing PFT-related duties.
• He/she must be able to perform existing procedures and to adapt to newer techniques, with minimal supervision. He/she must be able to perform calibration maintenance and minor repairs,
• accurately calculate and tabulate the results and maintain laboratory records and files.
• The incumbent is responsible for maintenance of expensive and delicate equipment and maintaining liaison with Supply Department, Biomedical Section, and vendors for necessary adjustments and repairs.
• The incumbent actively determines the need for new equipment and space. The incumbent orders supplies, equipment, and repairs. He/she must communicate with the Pulmonary Service leadership when there is a malfunction of equipment and be involved in the communication with other departments and/or contractors to coordinate repairs.
• The incumbent needs knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

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 10/24/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12575698.

1. 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.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

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.