The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for providing basic and advanced Respiratory services to adults and geriatric patients at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. The Therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures and must be able to operate a variety of equipment including: mechanical ventilators, continuous positive pressure devices, arterial blood gas equipment, oxygen monitors/ analyzers and co-oximeters.

Duties

The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist oversees the work of lower graded associates to accommodate request. He/she will also oversee staff development and learning including competency training. He/she will also be responsible aspects of the ABG Lab including CAP surveys, Linearity's and QC. Consultation with a Pulmonologist and/or Neurologist may be required to complete unusual requests. The Lead RRT must have expert knowledge of respiratory therapy methods, equipment, and procedures and the ability to assume responsibility to plan, organize, direct coordinate and evaluate programs involving Respiratory Care. The Registered Therapist is assigned to serve as Lead Therapist and is administratively responsible for the quality assurance activities, oversight of the ABG, coordination of all educational and competency training, and the day-to day operation of the department when necessary. The following is a summary of the major essential functions of this job. The Lead RRT may perform other related duties as assigned, both major and minor not mentioned below; periodically specific functions may change: Reviews, collects and evaluates relevant clinical data from the medical records, patient and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated. Performs complex respiratory therapy mechanical ventilator procedures which includes pressure control ventilation, intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV), CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and BIPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure). Participates in in-service education pertaining to respiratory teaching and training, maintaining a close relationship with other disciplines and students who may rotate through the health care facility. Assists in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Assists the pulmonologist with bronchoscopies in the bronchoscopy suite, the operating room and at bedside. Transports patients requiring manual ventilatory support to various locations within the hospital such as CAT Scan, ultrasound, etc. Participates as a member of the Code Blue, Rapid Response Team and must respond to emergency or stat calls to assist physician in establishing patent airway via intubation and subsequent application of mechanical ventilator to patient. Attends multi-disciplinary care plan meetings to discuss patient care. Performs routine respiratory therapy treatments such as oxygen and medication administration utilizing different modes of delivery. Assess, recommend therapy, consult with the pulmonologist and then educate the patient on their new therapy and equipment. Assists in the sampling of unknown proficiency specimens in the ABG Lab to meet the requirements for credentialing and licensure of the ABG Lab. Participates in developing respiratory care objectives. Gives input to the Supervisory RRT regarding requirements and the use and evaluation of equipment and supplies. Instructs, guides and communicates necessary information to fellow therapists to ensure effective performance. Enforces and interprets Respiratory Service and Medical Center policy to personnel, patients and visitors. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm (occasional weekend shifts to cover staff vacations) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

Qualifications

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). Qualifications: The applicant must meet the below guidelines. Candidates must possess 1-year of specialized experience at the GS-11, which includes the below: 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. AND 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. The candidate must also meet the below requirements and the resume must demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities indicated below: Lead 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. 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: A. Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of theworkload. B. Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. C. Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. D. Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions. E. Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies References: VA HANDBOOK 5005, PART II, APPENDIX G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The position consists of sedentary and active tasks. Sedentary tasks include but are not limited to sitting at a desk, utilizing computer, and completing phone calls and charting. Active tasks include but are not limited to walking, standing, bending, steps, squatting, reaching above and below your head and carrying of light items such as books, papers, and equipment necessary for treatments.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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 Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center 1111 East End Boulevard Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 US
• Name: Amanda Griffin
• Phone: 216-246-1254
• Email: [email protected]