Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography)

This position is located at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC in Milwaukee, WI the primary purpose of the Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) position is to independently monitor patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices, score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnographic (PSG) recordings, and perform interventions, such as positive airway pressure and oxygen therapies.

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.

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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).

In addition, candidates must meet the following Grade Determinate: GS-12 Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography)
Experience, Licensure and Credential.Candidates must have:

1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
2. Hold an active license and RRT credential.
3. Certification. Candidates must hold a RPSGT.

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

• Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data.
• Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment.
• Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters.
• Skill in scoring data both during and post diagnostic testing.
• Skill in analyzing data both during and post diagnostic testing.
• Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing.
• Skill in the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation and adverse responses.

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 12

Physical Requirements: The work involves regular and recurring physical exertion, such as standing for long periods of time, use of microscopes, some lifting loading and unloading reagent packs, sitting at desk, counter, or bench top with operations of the computer terminals, telephones, and various workstations associated with the respective instrumentations in use.

Responsibilities:

The primary Duties of the GS 12 Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) include, but are not limited to:

• Under the supervision of the pulmonary and sleep providers, conducts initial screening of patients referred for evaluation.
• Develops and implements an individualized plan of care for each patient and assures that the patient is involved in decisions affecting the care provided.
• Provides education to patients/families/care providers relating to the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Provides instruction to patients/families/caregivers on use and maintenance of home respiratory equipment.
• Assures that a thorough and accurate home respiratory prescription is entered in Computer systems in a timely manner.
• Assures appropriate and timely follow up when concerns or issues are raised.
• Sets-up diagnostic studies. This includes activities such as applying electrodes and various monitors to multiple body sites per protocol.
• Cleans and assembles equipment.
• Evaluates the relationship of events, sleep stages and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep.
• Anticipate problems likely to occur during the sleep study, prepares for such situations and makes changes in established procedures.
• Obtain data measuring wake, sleep and breathing states and records various signals from the brain and airways, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation and position to enable the physician to assess and diagnose sleep and breathing disorders.
• Troubleshoot and calibrate polysomnography, computer, oximeters, movement monitors and patient electrodes prior to the onset of each recording.
• Analyze and score patient data and summarize on report for physician interpretation.
• Monitor and initiate interventions for complications of testing and determine whether patient meets criteria for termination of testing.
• Perform electroencephalogram and home sleep testing and evaluate results.
• Orders and maintains an adequate number of supplies.
• Acquires new knowledge and skills as necessary relevant to sleep disorders and home respiratory care.
• Assures information exchange with colleagues is open and constructive.
• Consistently participates in information exchange via E-mail, informal discussions and planned meetings.
• Shares information with the program team and provides information in writing to Sleep Services; Chief of Respiratory Care or to the Medical Director for Sleep Medicine, when indicated.
• Stays current with the hospital's mission in general and particularly where it touches Respiratory Care Services and the Sleep/PAP program.
• Provides additional services and performs other duties as needs are identified within the MVHCS, Sleep/PAP clinic and Respiratory Care Services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full Time 80 Hours a Pay Period
Compressed/Flexible:Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Salary : $93,606