The primary responsibilities and functions performed by the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in the Minneapolis VAHCS encompass diagnostic evaluation, assessment, and provision of patient care services to both inpatients and outpatients. This includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs diagnostic evaluation including; Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance and Conductance, arterial blood gas interpretation - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. Monitors and evaluates patient performance during procedures and evaluates' response to PFT and recommends changes based on information obtained. Provides patient with clear, concise instructions and coach the patient to achieve the best, reproducible results. Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families. Provides consult service at the request of nursing staff or physician. Provides recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of patient. Maintains knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology and oxygen administration. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur. Insures equipment and supplies are available for use. Participates in evaluation of new equipment and services. Participates in Continuous Improvement initiatives, monitors compliance within the PFT clinic area. Resolves technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources. Provides accurate, legible and complete documentation of patient care delivered and response to therapy. Provides quality control oversight to the personnel performing spirometry in the CBOCs. Acts as liaison to providers for testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special services. Recommends changes in the PFT Lab to improve services and patient care. Assists with completion of department paperwork. Assists in planning and implementing effective educational programs for inservices, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab. Provides additional, non-traditional services as determined by MVAHCS and department needs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; No weekend, No holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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). 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: All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above and all qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment. GS-12, Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary): 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. Certification: Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11. REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST, GS-0601 Veterans Health Administration.

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 Minneapolis VA Medical Center One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417 US
• Name: Kimberly Harvey
• Phone: 208-891-5798
• Email: [email protected]