Registered Respiratory Therapist

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Duties

Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT in support of COVID-19 operations. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 28, 2020 and applicants will be referred on an 'as needed' basis. NOTE: Announcement will remain open until no longer needed but no later than March, 16, 2021.

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Responsibilities

The Registered Respiratory Therapist will be assigned to interested facilities throughout VHA in support of COVID-19 operations and may be permanently or temporarily appointed on an intermittent, part-time or full-time schedule.

The primary duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Administers assisted and controlled ventilation to patients with tracheotomies and other complex medical problems requiring frequent adjustments in ventilator parameters;

• Administers and monitors advanced ventilator techniques such as positive end expiratory pressure and continuous positive airway pressure;

• Develops plans for weaning patients from ventilators;

• Assesses respiratory status of patients using data acquired through physical observation and clinical analysis of blood gas data, chest x-rays, and electrocardiogram to determine the effectiveness of therapy being administered and to make recommendations to physicians regarding changes in treatment;

• Performs the most difficult respiratory therapy procedures to maintain ventilation, including endotracheal intubation, tracheal lavage, and tracheotomy care;

• Provides in-service training to others in various specialized areas of respiratory care;

• Functions as a consultant to the physicians in identifying appropriate procedures, techniques, or equipment for application to specific cases.

Work Schedule: Varies based on facility needs. A variety of work schedules are available; Work schedule will be determined upon selection. NOTE: May be expected to work rotating weekends and holidays.

Pay Schedule: The salary range listed in this announcement is a Base-Line Salary for a full-time work schedule. Starting salary will be set based on locality (which may include a special pay rate depending upon location), as well as FT, PT or Intermittent employment.

Recruitment Incentive: Certain locations are deemed as 'Hard to Fill' and 'may' offer Recruitment Incentives, but such an Incentive is not guaranteed.

Relocation/PCS Incentive: Not Available. If you select a location outside of your commuting area for consideration and are selected, you will be responsible for any expenses incurred in relation to your relocation.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0601 General Health Science

• Requirements

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job

• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

• You may be required to serve a probationary period

• Subject to a background/security investigation

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

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.

• 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).

• Registered Respiratory Therapist: You must be certified as an RRT from the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) and a registry number, or a certificate from another body which the NBRC recognizes as its credentialing equivalent. This includes registration based on either:(1) Having fulfilled the requirements and passed the registry examination administered by the NBRC since 1983, or(2) Having fulfilled the requirements and passed the registry examination for a registered inhalation or respiratory therapist administered by the (1) National Board for Respiratory Therapy from July 1974 through 1982 or (2) American Registry of Inhalation Therapists from 1961 through June 1974.Preferred Experience: Ventilator-dependent patient care, home health experience, experience with patient/family and professional health education, experience with interdisciplinary health care terms, and advanced computer skills.
• BLS/CPR Certification: Current BLS/CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) card (Preferred)

Grade Determinations:

In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met:

Experience: GS-8:(1) You must have at least 1 year of successful experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent. Qualifying experience at this level is work which includes duties such as: administering assisted and controlled ventilation to patients with tracheotomies and other complex medical problems requiring frequent adjustments in ventilator parameters; administering and monitoring advanced ventilator techniques such as positive end expiratory pressure and continuous positive airway pressure; developing plans for weaning patients from ventilators; assessing the respiratory status of patients using data acquired through physical observation and clinical analysis of blood gas data, chest x-rays, and electrocardiogram to determine the effectiveness of therapy being administered and to make recommendations to physicians regarding changes in treatment; performing the most difficult respiratory therapy procedures to maintain ventilation, including endotracheal intubation, tracheal lavage, and tracheotomy care; and providing in-service training to others in various specialized areas of respiratory care. AND (2) Demonstrated knowledge and ability needed to perform complex respiratory procedures with minimal supervision. Is able to participate with physicians and nurses and other staff in planning respiratory treatment, with great reliance on the individual's knowledge of the equipment. AND (3) Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide emergency or critical respiratory care; service as a shift leader or supervisor or sole responsible respiratory therapist on a shift; and to plan and conduct training sessions with respiratory therapy students, hospital staff, patients, and family members.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11, Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standard

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.

Physical Requirements:Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs).

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.