The New Mexico VA Health Care System is seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist to act as an educational liaison between Respiratory Therapists and other departments, clinical affiliates, and organizations.

Duties

Demonstrates proficiency in all acute, sub-acute and critical care areas Performs diagnostic evaluations such as: arterial blood gas interpretation, pulmonary function testing, sleep testing and overnight oximetry Provides recommendations based on assessment of patient and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions Develops a care plan encompassing all respiratory care interventions and education needed by an individual veteran, includes veteran in the planning process Sets up and monitors complex respiratory care and diagnostic equipment such as invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilators and high flow systems and arterial lines. Titrates settings based on patient response Performs assessment and airway care for veterans with artificial/altered airways in collaboration with nursing staff Develops and implements an orientation program; performs literature search, develops orientation materials, and plans for new employees, coordinates learning activities and reports results to department leadership Acts as a preceptor and performs competency assessments Uses all available resources for teaching Identifies weaknesses in new employees and provides corrective re-education Observes clinical performance of staff, performs audits to identify need for improvement Identifies clinical experts to act as appropriate preceptors and follows up with them regarding employee development Mentors staff that express a desire or exhibit potential to teach Coordinates educational activities with other departments ( e.g., physicians, nurses, nurse educators, case managers, ancillary staff, etc.) as needed Develops, prepares, and participates in respiratory therapy-related education provided to patients, caregivers, students, and hospital staff Completes annual education needs assessment Oversees ongoing validation of clinical competency (i.e., skills day) Maintains staff orientation and ongoing education records Establishes a monthly education calendar Assists staff with educational presentations and acts as first line reviewer of all staff presentation material Applies for CEU credit when appropriate Recommends corrective action plans for deficiencies found during surveys and audits and monitors for compliance Assists in identifying, analyzing, and recommending new services, protocols, equipment, etc. to enhance the quality of services delivered/care provided Participates on organizational committees as needed Participates in development and updating of policies, procedures, protocols, templates, and order sets Recommends changes in policy and practice in response to changes in medical practice/evidence, procedures or equipment, Joint Commission, or other regulatory standards Participates in performance and continuous quality improvement initiatives and research activities Performs assessments for complex, and/or new respiratory care modalities Assists with completion of department paperwork/audits Participates in development of annual continuous quality improvement plan Provides additional, non-traditional, respiratory care services as determined by MV AHCS and Respiratory Care department needs Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 07:00A - 03:30 PM Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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: 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). 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 Experience, Education, Licensure and Certification. Candidates must: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; Hold a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited college or university in respiratory care, cardiopulmonary science or a health-related field; AND, Hold one of the education certifications for pulmonary disease for Patient Educator OR a certification for adult critical care specialist for Staff Educator. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of instructional techniques to educate respiratory therapists in proper performance of respiratory processes and procedures. Ability to educate individuals of varying backgrounds. Skill in training RRTs, other staff and/or patients/caregivers on existing and newly acquired equipment, therapies and medications. Ability to determine the continuing education needs of staff to identify appropriate resources to meet those needs. Ability to develop clinical policy, procedures, protocols, competencies and simulations relative to respiratory care. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G11 Registered Respiratory Therapist dated March 12, 2021 Physical Requirements: Lifting of items of 45 pounds and over can be expected; reaching above shoulder; walking and standing for extended periods of time for up to 8 hours.

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.

Contacts

• Address Raymond G Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1501 San Pedro Drive, Southeast Albuquerque, NM 87108 US
• Name: Tyrone Andrews-Bey-Beyah
• Phone: (313) 683-3807
• Email: [email protected]