Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVHCS) seeks a Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-11 to join our team. This is the full performance level. RRT's at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The RRT functions within the Respiratory Therapy department and provides basic and acute respiratory care in all areas of the hospital - including the critical care units.

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

• Citizenship: Citizen of the United States
• 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
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above - applicants must meet the grade requirements below
• 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
• Hold an active license and RRT credential
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the requirements above - candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes
• Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities
• Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management
• Preferred Experience: Current assignment will be working in Home Oxygen - PAP Clinic - Pulmonary Function Testing - and supporting outpatient clinic areas with Respiratory Therapy that may also include Home Based Pulmonary Rehab and at times Bronchoscopies
• Experience in outpatient Respiratory Therapy is preferred
• 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 of time
• frequent bending - reaching - stooping - and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus
• lifting - repositioning - safely moving patients (over 100 lbs.) with assistance as needed
• and pushing or pulling heavy objects (over 50 lbs.) such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator equipment - routinely lifting and carrying small equipment items (less than 50 lbs.)
• The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures
• Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid - unrestricted State driver's license - have a safe driving record - and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely
• Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination
• NOTE: We cannot accept photographs - therefore
• please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package
• If an interview is requested - you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license
• 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).
  
  

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to the following: CLINICAL: Independently performs basic and acute respiratory care - administration of oxygen and aerosol therapy - positive pressure devices (BIPAP - CPAP) - ventilator care to include advanced technology/techniques (i.e. - pressure control modality and associated ventilator adjustments and monitoring)
• The respiratory therapist is responsible for making appropriate recommendations to physicians regarding changes in therapy
• Displays knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care
• Assess respiratory status of patients through direct contact - chart review - diagnostic data (i.e. - pulmonary function tests - pulse oximetry - arterial blood gases - electrolytes - complete blood cell count and related laboratory tests) and other means as appropriate
• Performs and responds as a member on the rapid response team - stroke team - code team calls (i.e. - code blue team - code 99 team - etc.) Responsible for airway management and assisting with and/or performing endotracheal intubation
• Duties may vary according to shift and/or patient care needs - and miscellaneous duties as assigned
• Duties may include developing - administering - evaluating - monitoring and modifying respiratory care plans in the acute - critical and/or outpatient care settings using protocols and clinical practice guidelines
• Duties may include monitoring critical systems - maintaining the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means - performing process for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation - monitoring of patients using oximetry - electrocardiology - and apnea monitoring devices
• PATIENT EDUCATION: The Respiratory Therapist (RT) is the expert clinician in the care and management for patients with chronic respiratory diseases
• The RT will provide education to patients and families as requested for new and chronic respiratory disease management in inpatient - post-acute care and outpatient care settings
• Education will include the use and maintenance of home equipment - safety and contingency planning for chronic disease management including - but not limited to chronic disease management - home ventilation and positive airway pressure therapy - home oxygen usage and safety - tracheostomy care and suctioning - nebulizers and aerosol medications
• PHARMACOLOGY: Dispense pharmacological solutions as prescribed by physician
• Must possess and utilize a general knowledge of indications - contraindications - and complications of medicines and respond accordingly to policy and procedure in the event of adverse reactions and/or appropriate orders as demonstrated through observation - assessment and documentation
• ADMINISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION: Documents all respiratory treatments and patient responses in the electronic medical record as per policy
• This included documentation in BCMA and CPRS - and the completion of consult requests
• Maintains departmental paperwork according to the current standard
• Documentation will include appropriate patient information - location of patient - verification of patient name and social security number or date of birth - clearly and thoroughly state the events that occurred during therapy as demonstrated through medical record audit
• Documentation will be completed in a timely manner
• will clearly state the events that occurred during therapy as demonstrated through medical record audit
• To include PRN effectiveness - blood gas entry - event capture - and BCMA if relevant
• Ensures all patient consults are completed and closed out - and event capture entries are accurate and completed on a daily basis
• Responsible to understand - interpret and comply with Respiratory Care Policies and Standard Operating Procedures
• Duties may include leading projects to development and implement new policies - procedures and/or protocols
• RESEARCH: May be asked to assist or participate in approved research activities involving the Pulmonary Section
• EDUCATION: Completes and maintains current ACLS - BLS - PALS - Out of OR Airway Management Training and/or Certification
• Assist in providing learning experiences for respiratory therapy students - allied health professionals and provide instruction where indicated
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized