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This assignment is above the full performance level. Registered Respiratory Therapists, at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care to patients in the medical center and may perform other duties, both major and minor. They will perform the work in a setting involving regular and recurring exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, odors, exposure to air, mucus, and blood-borne pathogens, and needle exposure. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: 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 this part. 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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. (COPY OF LICENSE REQUIRED) 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. (COPY OF RRT CREDENTIAL REQUIRED). 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-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level (See below). RRTs at this grade level in this assignment have experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment across many areas of respiratory care both inpatient and outpatient. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. ii. Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. iii. Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. iv. Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions. v. Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies GS-11 clinical competencies example: RRTs at the GS-11 level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Preferred Experience: Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy, Adult Critical Care Specialist certification, experience with spinal cord residents, verbal and written communications, critical problem solving skills, ability to provided direction and guidance while overseeing therapy services, and promoting exceptional patient care. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11, March 12, 2021 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Light carrying, pulling hand over hand, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, repeated bending, climbing, both legs, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include dust, working closely with others, and working alone. ["Lead/Charge RCPs, will ensure work is distributed among employees in accordance with established workflow or job specialization. They assure timely accomplishment of the assigned workload, assess the status, quality and progress of work and make day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities. They provide clinical practice guidance for other respiratory staff and assist with technical work problems not covered by protocols or established policies for non-routine or complex procedures. They assist staff therapists in determining treatment options for complex patients. They study the quality and quantity of work and operating effectiveness and take or recommend needed actions. Lead/Charge RCP's can represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings. Study the quality and quantity of work and operating effectiveness and take or recommend needed actions. Collaborates with all members of the health care team to deliver quality care. 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. Evaluates and treats patients in a variety of settings using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Completes patient assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. Evaluate patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles and inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. Initiate and monitor aerosol and oxygen therapy. Work with home oxygen coordinator or vendor to set up new oxygen patients when home oxygen is indicated. Volume Expansion Therapy. All aspects of mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive). Intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients being mechanically ventilated (invasive or non-invasive). Respond to all Code Blue situations and Rapid Response calls. Assist with intubation and securing the airway. Daily evaluations for SBT and extubation per protocol. Q4 oral care and Q shift (and PRN) tube care. Blood gas procurement for analysis via arterial puncture. Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests and recommend appropriate interventions and/or adjustments in therapy based on results. Total airway care and management, including the care and management of artificial airways. Bronchoscopy prep and assist. Bedside diagnostic respiratory testing. Total tracheostomy care including changing out trachs. Attending rounds on ICU/MICU/CCU/SICU patients. Participate in daily inter-disciplinary rounds specifically on rehab and spinal cord injury units. Management of Acute and Chronic Respiratory Disease including understanding the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. Able to develop, administer, evaluate, reevaluate, and modify respiratory care plans for both the acute and home setting utilizing evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines to provide quality care. Communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing, with other members of the health care team on patient response to therapy, change in condition, and recommend alternative therapies when appropriate. Set up, cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting of all respiratory equipment. Reports concerns/problems according to policy and procedure. Proficient with the use and functions of home mechanical ventilators, intensive care ventilators, transport ventilators, drawing and interpretation of arterial blood gases, CPR, oxygen delivery devices, suctioning of the airway, CPAP and Bilevel therapies ,airway clearance maneuvers and proper infection control techniques. Ensures that appropriate infection control standards are followed to protect the patient, self, and others. Proficient in alternative forms of patient communications, such as telephone meetings, telemedicine, and skype meetings per VA protocol. Will assist with work environment cleanliness, will help stock supplies, and clean equipment as well as all other duties as directed by the Chief of Respiratory Therapy. Work Schedule: Day or Evening tours available between Noon - Midnight, Midnight - Noon (Discussed during interview) Compressed: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact, Stacy Hermann @ V20CompensationTeam@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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