The Specialty Care Service is seeking two full-time Registered Respiratory Therapist for the VA Medical Center in Birmingham Alabama.

Duties

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) at the full performance level are responsible for administering treatment to ambulatory, non-ambulatory and critically ill patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting with minimal supervision. The RRT completes patient assessment through direct contact, chart review and other means, as appropriate, and share the information with health care team members. The duties may include but are not limited to the following: Performs bedside diagnostic tests to assess the respiratory status of patients. Assists in placement of Airways such as endotracheal intubation, LMA placement by physicians in placing artificial airways into patients as required. During cardiac arrests, initiates artificial ventilation using mouth-to-mask techniques or a manual ventilation bag to restore patient's heartbeat and maintain ventilation. During transport of patients, maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary. Performs routine respiratory therapy treatment to hospital ward patients such as administering oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, and incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy. Provides patient instruction for home care. Performs suctioning procedures to all patients needing said procedure, i.e. ET tube, Trach, or NT suctioning. Performs Trach care to trach patients as needed. Draws arterial blood samples from patients using needle and syringe. Operates oximeters to determine the level of oxygen. Provided in-service training to other respiratory therapists, nursing personnel, patients, and patient's family relative to the types of treatments given, various types of medications used, and the set up and operation of respiratory equipment including the necessary cleaning and safety precautions. Records treatment, findings and progress pertinent to patient care timely. Performs pulmonary function studies as required. These include spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity and bronchial provocation testing. Assists physician in performing bronchoscopy procedures. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care using hospital policies and procedures, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Work Schedule: Rotating 8 and 12 hour shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS 50552 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: 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. 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: 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 and 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: Ability to collaboratively consult 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. Assignments. This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Must be able to Moderately Lift and Carry 15-44 lbs.; reach above shoulders; to use fingers, both eyes, have depth perception; distinguish different shades of color; ability to hear (hearing aids permitted). Ability to access all patient care areas as required. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator equipment.

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 Birmingham VA Medical Center 700 South 19th Street Birmingham, AL 35233 US
• Name: Kara Wanner
• Email: [email protected]