The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served.

Duties

The Respiratory Therapist is under the technical and administrative supervision of the Chief Respiratory Therapist in the Respiratory Care Services, the Medical Direction of the Chief of the Pulmonary Section and the administrative supervision of the Chief Medical Services. They review completed work for results achieved and for conformance to department policies and requirements. At this level the supervisor places considerable reliance on the Respiratory Therapists knowledge of complex procedures, and completed work is evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy. The Respiratory Therapist will regularly use a variety of sources for guidance and make clinical decisions. The employee uses judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines such as agency policies, regulations, precedents and work directions for application to specific cases or problems. The employee analyzes results and recommends changes. The Employee will be responsible for Home CPAP, Home oxygen consult or any other appointment when needed. Duties of the Pulmonary Functions Registered Respiratory Therapist include, but are not limited to: Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing, and diaphragm stimulation) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results. Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices. Perform arterial and venous sampling for blood analysis. Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. Review and interpret lung volumes and diffusion studies. Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. Develops and regularly reviews policies and procedures; ensures that this program remains in compliance with existing VA policy and regulations and JCAHO standards. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of all the program activities through standard and innovative techniques. Maintains statistical and patient data. Monitors individual performance standards and completes retrospective audits. Formulates evaluation of equipment needs, preventive maintenance and organization of expendable and non-expendable equipment and supplies related to the program. Recommend care plan modifications by recognizing additional needs that exist (e.g., bathroom safety, wheelchairs, electric beds, portable supplemental oxygen delivery systems). Incumbent should have wide knowledge on CPAP setup, and home oxygen evaluation. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Telework: Not suitable for telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary), GS-12 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: a. One 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 RRT credential. Certification. Must hold a CPFT or RPFT. (MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH DOCUMENTS) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25%of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. They perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. RRTs conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. They train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11 Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0601 VHA. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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 West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 North Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410 US
• Name: Kristen L. Johnson
• Phone: 443-531-8426
• Email: [email protected]