This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply Applicants must be fully qualified by the closing date of this announcement. 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. § 7403(f). License: All applicants must have an full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT. Credentials: All applicants must possess and maintain a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. Education: Completion of a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) up to and including the Full Performance Level (GS-11): In addition to the minimum requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, end tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professional to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. 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. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12 - Above the Full Performance Level 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 (the following certifications are desirable but no required: SPFT, RPFT or RPSGT) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks and discomforts that require special safety and health precautions. Work is typically performed in a clinical setting that exposes incumbent to biohazards, hazardous chemicals and hazardous medications common in health care environment. Such exposure will be mitigated in accordance with local policies and operating procedures as per USP800 standards, OSHA guidance and local risk assessment practices. Standard safety precautions and PPE are required and specified per local policies. ["This Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) position is responsible for providing the full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care and is above the full performance level of the occupation. RRTs at this level must possess the following: Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the circulatory and pulmonary systems and the major organs associated with these systems is required. In addition, knowledge of a variety of related acute and chronic disorders and diseases, their effect on the lungs and heart, and the method of treatment. Knowledge of the pharmacology of common respiratory drugs, common dosages, typical and atypical patient responses and side effects is required. Knowledge of respiratory therapy and all necessary equipment including but not limited to concentrators, mechanical ventilators, CPAP and Bi-level therapy equipment, pulse oximeters, end-tidal CO2 monitors, suction equipment, oxygen delivery systems, conserving devices, airway clearance devices, portable spirometry testing equipment. The incumbent should be prepared to acquire new knowledge and skills, as necessary relevant to the coordination of care for inpatients and outpatients. The incumbent is expected to perform patient, family, and caregiver education as needed. He/she will educate and train new staff, students, and members of the healthcare team. He/she must have expertise in the operation of all respiratory care equipment and be able to select and manipulate the respiratory equipment and therapy to meet patient needs. He/she must be able to instruct physicians and other healthcare professionals in the proper utilization of respiratory care equipment and therapy. When assessing a patient, providing care, or providing educational instruction, the employee will consider the age of the patient and any learning barriers as well as personal learning preferences as each relates to the ability to understand directions, provide objective self-assessment or any other personal information appropriate to the medical treatment plan. Skill in performing equipment troubleshooting, minor repairs, mask fittings, and equipment cleaning, calibration, and maintenance is required. The incumbent shall be able to monitor vital signs, perform and interpret arterial blood gases, and perform clinical assessments, recommend treatment options, and assess patient response appropriate for a registered respiratory therapist. The therapist is skilled in arterial puncture by utilizing arterial puncture technique with collections via careful anaerobic technique, proper storage of blood until analyzed and utilizing all necessary safeguards to prevent complications from this technique. The therapist performs this duty routinely and without supervision. The Therapist checks, orders, and maintains an adequate number of supplies needed for the inpatient and outpatient clinic areas. The supplies are to be stocked, assembled and placed in the appropriate areas to maintain a safe, clean work environment. The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served. Essential functions are required to be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time for above full performance ratings. The Therapist will be provided the opportunity to cross train to other areas within the service line and participate in special projects or committees. He/she will perform other duties as delegated by management. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 608-F07837 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Jaime.Perez3@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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