The incumbent functions as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in the clinical sleep laboratory at the Green Road VA Outpatient Clinic and is organizationally aligned under Ambulatory Care Services. The incumbent functions independently to provide respiratory care of varying complexities in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The incumbent uses data from independent patient assessments to establish appropriate plans of care to determine if outcomes are being met.

Duties

Some major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: Independently determines and performs complex respiratory care for each patient case. He/she implements appropriate care protocols and respiratory modalities to include bronchoscopy, medication, supplemental oxygen, and intubation, to successfully manage and maintain airway ventilation using equipment-assisted strategies or mechanical means. Monitors critical systems pertinent to the patient's specific care plan to ensure safe, quality respiratory care is delivered by the VA care team. He/she uses advanced strategies and modes to independently perform respiratory care procedures. Advanced strategies and modes include services that align with inpatient and/or outpatient care delivery models and include the use of home-based and non-home-based ventilators for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, among other common and uncommon respiratory disorders. Suggests alternate modes of treatment, where indicated, based on assessment and analysis of patient response to initial treatment plan. He/she recognizes the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk. Possesses advanced knowledge and understanding of sleep disorder treatments and classifications. He/she correctly establishes protocols for consistent, accurate, and reliable patient care in collaboration with the Sleep Medicine physician team. Understands basic, cross-functional treatments provided by the patient's VA care team. These treatments are completed by his/her colleagues in complimentary sleep medicine specialties such as computerized polysomnography and sleep testing/studies. Evaluates the patient's response to defined treatment plan and independently recommends changes based on the clinical observations obtained through data collection and therapy surveillance. He/she possesses specialty knowledge of treatment indications, complications, and contraindications of all respiratory therapy and care modalities. Identifies opportunities to develop, implement, and/or improve facility-level SOPs. He/she has the ability to summarize and report clinical findings and/or data in narrative form and provide briefings, summaries, and orientation to hospital staff to include physicians. Engages in preceptorship to mentor lower-graded staff to build collaborative competencies among the patient's VA care delivery team. He/she exhibits reliability, independence, and self-motivation within his/her specialty, team, and/or work unit. Provides instruction and education on proper respiratory care delivery strategies, use of supplies and equipment, as well as compliance with disease management techniques. He/she engages in teaching techniques specific to each patient to achieve defined therapeutic goals. Interprets data accurately and summarizes clinical events concisely to determine the efficacy of the patient's care plan and care delivery strategies. Uses additional data from independent patient assessments to benchmark patient care outcomes. Participates in local/national respiratory care meetings and/or required continuing education programs at least annually. He/she engages in performance improvement initiates and/or research opportunities to assist the department with short-term and/or long-term goal achievement. Performs the listed duties and responsibilities in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Board of Respiratory Care, American Association for Respiratory Care, the American Association of Sleep Medicine, and local/national VA standard operating procedures/protocols established for treatments, management, evaluation, and delivery of care for patients with deficiencies, ailments, and/or abnormalities associated with cardiopulmonary and neurology systems. Work Schedule: 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday Compressed/Flexible:May be authorized depending on facility needs Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92858-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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: 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. 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. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision (see education section) 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). (1) Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below. (a) VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. (b) RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received. (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. (d) Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Credential. See VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11. (2) Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care. 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 Grade Determinations: Respiratory Therapist, GS-05 Experience, Education and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07 Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Performs therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. 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. Collaboratively consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Performs basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09 Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Collaboratively consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Performs airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. 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: Collaboratively consults 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. Preferred Experience: Consults with physicians, advanced practice providers, and other allied healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area(s) of specialty. Possesses the knowledgebase to recognize and diagnose complex respiratory care disorders. At this grade level, the RRT may perform invasive procedures, serve as preceptors to lower-graded staff, and lead projects to develop new policies, procedures, and/or protocols. This vacancy is above the full performance level. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-11 level. References: VA Handbook 5005 /141, Part II, Appendix G11, . 38 U.S.C. 7407 (a), Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g. CoARC Report on Accreditation in Respiratory Care Education standards. Physical Requirements: Regular and recurring work is mostly sedentary involving sitting at a desk, although the position requires the ability to move from one geographic location of the facility to another. Some physical effort such as standing, walking, bending, or prolonged sitting may be required. The work places no special physical demands on the employee.

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 Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: Danielle Bottomley
• Phone: (734) 263-5375
• Email: [email protected]