The primary responsibilities and functions performed by the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in the Minneapolis VAHCS encompass diagnostic evaluation, assessment, and provision of patient care services to both inpatients and outpatients. This includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document. 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. 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: All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above and all qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment. GS-12, Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary): Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies and KSA'S described below: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop are plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification: Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-0601 Veterans Health Administration. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. ["This announcement is open continuous. Certificates will be issued to the hiring manager on a weekly basis until all positions have been filled. Announcement will remain open until all vacancies are filled and may close sooner than 9/30/2024. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs diagnostic evaluation including; Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance and Conductance, arterial blood gas interpretation - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. Monitors and evaluates patient performance during procedures and evaluates' response to PFT and recommends changes based on information obtained. Provides patient with clear, concise instructions and coach the patient to achieve the best, reproducible results. Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families. Provides consult service at the request of nursing staff or physician. Provides recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of patient. Maintains knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology and oxygen administration. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur. Insures equipment and supplies are available for use. Participates in evaluation of new equipment and services. Participates in Continuous Improvement initiatives, monitors compliance within the PFT clinic area. Resolves technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources. Provides accurate, legible and complete documentation of patient care delivered and response to therapy. Provides quality control oversight to the personnel performing spirometry in the CBOCs. Acts as liaison to providers for testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special services. Recommends changes in the PFT Lab to improve services and patient care. Assists with completion of department paperwork. Assists in planning and implementing effective educational programs for inservices, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab. Provides additional, non-traditional services as determined by MVAHCS and department needs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; No weekend, No holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
