This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The incumbent will need to be knowledgeable on all new modalities of therapy and out of OR advanced Airway Care, mechanical ventilation procedures, and patient care and assessment teaching. Performs polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. Calibrates and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring. Coordinates home oxygen program which will include ordering home oxygen evaluations, an expert level knowledge of VA oxygen qualification standards, and high-level familiarity of home oxygen modalities. Coordinates with VA Contracting Officers as well as external vendors and suppliers of VA services to include home oxygen services. Assists physician staff in the management of patients on home ventilation modalities. Exercises knowledge of home sleep testing and high-level interpretation knowledge and will coordinate with hub facilities on professional interpretation of sleep studies and coordinate veteran care to external partners. Assists in developing and implementing polices and guidelines, making recommendations about new and emerging modalities, perform complex analytical analysis, and the ability to manage day to day operations and fiscal management. Performs arterial blood gases and able to recognize critical results and alert physician and RN within established Laboratory Policy. Assess patient's respiratory status using data acquired through physical observation and clinical analysis of blood gas data, chest x-rays and electrocardiograms to determine the effectiveness of therapy and to make recommendations to physicians regarding changes in treatment. Performs Cardiac Monitoring with Zio Patch with proper placement and performs teaching to the patient regarding testing and equipment. Performs basic HST (Home Sleep Testing) and communicates tests to Pulmonary Physician for interpretation. Sets up and assists physician in the performance of exercise tolerance tests (Cardiac Stress Tests), according to policy and procedure. Performs pulmonary function testing including routine spirometry, flow volume loop and pre- and post- bronchodilator studies. Performs oximetry testing, exercise and resting, titrates oxygen liter flow for appropriate saturations and reports in main computer system. Performs instruction for hook up of overnight oximetry testing for patient and/or patient caregiver; downloads data from oximetry, cleans the equipment, interprets oximetry test and reports findings in the main computer system. Sets up CPAP Auto-Titrate studies on patients, downloads and interprets data, relays to physician findings of CPAP Auto-Titrate. Sets up home oxygen for patient as ordered by physician; notifies vendor, completes order in computer system. Sets up and instructs on Home CPAP/BiPAP as ordered by physician, notifies vendor, completes order in computer system. Participates in both the planning and delivery of comprehensive in-services and training offerings. Identifies continuing education and training needs within the respiratory department. Assumes responsibilities to plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and evaluate programs involving respiratory care for the benefit of patients and the other disciplines within the health care facility. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to provide emergency or critical respiratory care; performs complex respiratory procedures. Works with logistics to maintain supplies. Assists in the processing and documentation of diagnostic tests done in the department. Maintains current training in Basic Cardiac Life Support (American Heart Association) and Advanced Cardiac Life-Support. Works to ensure patient privacy and respect. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Compressed/Flexible:May be authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55011-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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: 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. Grade Determination: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential. The following certifications are desirable but not required: CPFT RPFT RPSGT Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, PART II, APPENDIX G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Work is primarily performed out-patient care areas, but can be both inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs.).

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 VA Western Colorado Health Care System 2121 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 US
• Name: Gina Hammer
• Phone: 970-263-2800
• Email: [email protected]