The NJ VA Healthcare system is currently recruiting for 1 Registered Respiratory Therapist(RRT) for the Respiratory Care Unit of the Pulmonary Medicine Section of the Medical Service. The RRT performs duties under the supervision of the Chief, Respiratory Care. The RRT performs, within scope of practice, diagnostic evaluations and engages in the teaching and treatment of patients including the most unusual and difficult cases requiring the highest levels of expertise and professional skills.

Duties

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) serves in a critical care setting with responsibility for independently administering a variety of complex treatments and tests to both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. During emergency situations, the RT serves as a member of the Code Blue team in response to Cardiac and/or Respiratory arrests and is responsible independently inserting artificial airways into patient's trachea to provide controlled breathing. They initiate manual ventilation using a manual resuscitation bag or bag-valve-mask (BVM) and maintains ventilation. The RT is involved with the Rapid Response Team and responds to all calls in order to assess for any respiratory needs. Setup and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume or pressure ventilators for critical care patients. Based on patient assessment and analysis of arterial blood gas data, independently adjusts ventilator settings in order to change the patient's ventilation status. Applies advanced ventilation techniques such as pressure control ventilation, tube compensation, and volume and pressure support ventilation. Monitors patients closely to avoid complications and to alter the plan as necessary. Initially and continuously assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination, respiratory monitoring, and diagnostic equipment. Determines the effectiveness of the therapy being administered, communicates with physician, and suggests alternate modes of treatment as indicated. Performs airway and endo-tracheal tube care on patients with artificial airways, including cleaning and securing the trach and endotracheal tube site, suctioning, monitoring tube cuff pressure and inspecting equipment and patient to insure proper function. Performs pulmonary function test and other related duties as assigned Operates suction catheters attached to vacuum to remove secretions from patients' airways. Places nasal and oropharyngeal airways and performing nasal and tracheal suctioning. Perform chest physiotherapy using mechanical equipment or manual techniques. Performs postural drainage to facilitate the removal of secretions. Sets up and monitors oxygen delivery devices such as cannulas, masks, t-adaptors, face tents, humidifiers and aerosols containing prescribed medication to patients using standard respiratory equipment. Skilled in assessment of oxygenation. Demonstrates competency for obtaining arterial blood gas samples from patient using ABG kit, heparinized needle with syringe, and from Arterial Line. During transport of patients with artificial airways, maintain the patient's airway, ensure ventilation, monitor respiration and oxygen saturation, and performs manual ventilations or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation when necessary as per AHA guidelines. Perform patient clinical assessment, equipment setup, education and troubleshooting in areas of bronchial hygiene and lung expansion, home oxygen use, airway care, CPAP and Bi-Level machine and related equipment use, and COPD case management in the outpatient setting. Will demonstrate the ability to utilize computer-based technologies, software and programs. Documents treatments, pre and post Tx. assessment and results of various checks, tests, procedures, and education pertinent to patient care in CPRS, BCMA. Completes patient care as ordered in Respiratory Consult and closes consults. Documents in the medical record, the results of patient and family education. Attends and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings where the overall needs of the patient are addressed. Communicates orally and in writing changes, adjustments, and recommendations with other healthcare team members. Able to communicate with courtesy, clarity, and care in all verbal and non-verbal messages with physicians, nurses, students, peers, and other staff members in order to support the healing of the patient. Provides inter- and intra-disciplinary in-services to other health care providers and students. Assists in orientation and training of new staff. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment. Maintains supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency. May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent service/section on medical center, network, or national committees. May assist with the equipment set-up and bronchoscopy procedure. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: To be discussed in interview Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Telework: Not Available Travel: Less than 50% (Between East Orange NJ facility and Lyons, NY facility) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:21P29-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship: US Citizen 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. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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). Creditable Experience. Experience is only creditable if credentialed as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or RRT, the experience is in respiratory care, pulmonary function testing or polysomnography and directly related to the position being filled. To be creditable, the candidate's experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) associated with current practice in paid employment as a CRT or RRT. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience is credited according to its relationship to the full-time workweek (e.g., an RRT who worked 20 hours a week would receive one full-time workweek of credit for each two weeks of service). Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Assignments. This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 Preferred Qualifications: 3 -5 years of Critical care experience , Pulmonary Function testing experience, Long term Care experience ,Intubation experience, ACLS certification

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.(Transcripts required)

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 VA New Jersey Health Care System 385 Tremont Avenue East Orange, NJ 07018 US
• Name: Jennifer Gerken
• Phone: 585-430-0703
• Email: [email protected]