This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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. To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of VA Handbook 5005, Qualification Standards. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information. 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). 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). GRADE DETERMINATIONS. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-9 Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential; Candidates must have: One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR, A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 1. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. 2. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. 3. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. 4. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Grade Determination RRT GS-11 (Full Performance Level) 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, and Hold an active license and RRT credential. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 1. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. 2. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. 3. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11 Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish language. Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes Moderate lifting, 15 -44 pounds; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have to ability to stand for possibly long periods of time. Possible exposure to body fluid is involved. For additional information, see VA Directive and Handbook 5019. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11 Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0601 VHA. ["The Registered Respiratory Therapist is expected to display proficiency and perform at a level of excellence in all Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Services. The RRT expected to practice professionally, must be reliable, able to work independently and be self-motivated. The duties of the Registered Respiratory Therapist include, but are not limited to the following: Performs basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Compares and evaluates the indications and contraindications for sleep studies. Identifies and distinguishes the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post core of bronchoscopy procedures. Performs arterial and venous sampling for blood analysis. Develops, administers, evaluates, and modifies respiratory core plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. Explains the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols. Evaluates and treats patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Completes the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. Reviews and interprets pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. Inspects the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. Evaluates patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles. Performs basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, endotracheal intubation, arterial line placement and management, IV and/or midline placement and management. Participates in mass-casualty staffing to provide airway management, manual and mechanical ventilator life support, medical gas administration, aerosol delivery of bronchodilators and other agents In the resuscitation of respiratory and cardiovascular failure Makes treatment recommendations based on waveform graphics, pulmonary mechanics, and imaging studies. Identifies indications for circulatory gas exchange devices. Collaborates with other professionals in cure management built upon evidence-based medicine and clinical protocols. Delivers therapeutic interventions based on evidence-based medicine and clinical protocols. Assesses the need for therapies (medical, humidity, aerosol, lung expansion, airway clearance, airway management and mechanical ventilation) in all patient settings. Determines indications/contraindications for therapy. Determines appropriateness of order and need for physician intervention. Monitors patient's response to therapy. Recognizes and rectify equipment malfunction. Follows Standard Precautions for infection control. Recognizes complications and respond to adverse effects. Recommends therapy modifications. Assess therapy effectiveness. Documents therapy. Evaluates compressed gas cylinders, regulators and flow meters, oxygen conserving devices, high-flow air-entrainment systems, oxygen and air-flow-meter mixing systems, air/oxygen blenders, nasal cannulas, high-flow nasal cannulas, non-reservoir masks, reservoir masks, air-entrainment masks, nitric oxide therapy, helium/oxygen therapy, unheated passive humidifiers, active and passive heat-and-moisture exchangers (HM Es), heated humidifiers for medical gas delivery systems via mask, tracheal catheter, and artificial airways, non-medicated, large-volume nebulizers, heated and unheated, delivery of medication, nebulizers for continuous nebulization, pressurized metered-dose inhalers, dry-powder inhalers, physiologic action, adverse effects and doses and peak expiratory flow meters and inspiratory flow meters. Calculates and modifies drug dosing. Evaluates incentive spirometers (flow-based and volume-based), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) devices, bi-level positive-pressure breathing, positive expiratory therapy (PEP), etc. Performs the head-tilt chin-lift airway-opening maneuver and jaw lift without head extension maneuver Work Schedule: Night Shifts (10:00 pm - 6:00 am, including Weekends, Holidays and On-Call as per service needs. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN8CCOE@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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