The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for a Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) for the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center; Lawton VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC).

Duties

The primary duties of the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)/Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) include the following, but are not limited to: Independently monitor patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices, score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnographic (PSG) recordings Perform interventions, such as positive airway pressure and oxygen therapies Under the supervision of the pulmonary and sleep providers, conducts initial screening of patients referred for evaluation Develops and implements an individualized plan of care for each patient and assures that the patient is involved in decisions affecting the care provided. Provides education to patients/families/care providers relating to the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Provides instruction to patients/families/caregivers on use and maintenance of home respiratory equipment. Assures that a thorough and accurate home respiratory prescription is entered in Computer systems in a timely manner. Assures appropriate and timely follow up when concerns or issues are raised. Sets-up diagnostic studies. This includes activities such as applying electrodes and various monitors to multiple body sites per protocol. Cleans and assembles equipment. Evaluates the relationship of events, sleep stages and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. Anticipate problems likely to occur during the sleep study, prepares for such situations and makes changes in established procedures. Obtain data measuring wake, sleep and breathing states and records various signals from the brain and airways, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation and position to enable the physician to assess and diagnose sleep and breathing disorders. Troubleshoot and calibrate polysomnography, computer, oximeters, movement monitors and patient electrodes prior to the onset of each recording. Analyze and score patient data and summarize on report for physician interpretation. Monitor and initiate interventions for complications of testing and determine whether patient meets criteria for termination of testing. Perform electroencephalogram and home sleep testing and evaluate results. Orders and maintains an adequate amount of supplies. Acquires new knowledge and skills as necessary relevant to sleep disorders and home respiratory care. Assures information exchange with colleagues is open and constructive. Consistently participates in information exchange via E-mail, informal discussions, and planned meetings. Shares information with the program team and provides information in writing to Sleep Services; Chief of Respiratory Care or to the Medical Director for Sleep Medicine, when indicated. Stays current with the hospital's mission in general and particularly where it touches Respiratory Care Services and the Sleep/PAP program. Provides additional services and performs other duties as needs are identified within the MVHCS, Sleep/PAP clinic and Respiratory Care Services. Work Schedule: Full-Time; tours of duties are primarily overnight 10-hour shifts; may also include rotating tours of duty to include days, weekends, and holidays. Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 58005-O 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. English Language Proficiency: Respiratory Therapists (RTs)/Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f). Licensure and Credential: 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. Certification: Certifications are granted to Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) who have successfully completed the appropriate requirements (e.g., education, training, examination in specialty areas). Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor. 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 for GS-12 Grade Level: Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have all of the following to qualify for this grade level: a. One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. b. Hold an active license and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential c. Hold a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) certification In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrated the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): i. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing. ii. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. iii. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing. iv. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. v. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring. Preferred Experience: - Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. - Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment. - Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters - Skill in scoring data both during and post diagnostic testing. - Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing. - Skill in the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation and adverse responses. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 Part II, Appendix G11 Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction: Sight corrected to 20/20 vision; Lifting 30 pounds; Pushing 65 pounds; Stooping; Bending; Prolonged standing and walking; Two hands with acceptable dexterity; The physical requirements vary with work assignments; Understands and practices safety procedures; Use of aseptic techniques and required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with patients in isolation, following infection control guidelines; Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, in-patient, outpatient, in patient homes, as assigned. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting, bending, stooping, and possible exposure to body fluids is involved.

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 Oklahoma City VA Health Care System 921 Northeast 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US
• Name: Tim Kiddoo
• Phone: 405-249-6318
• Email: [email protected]