This assignment is the full performance level. Registered Respiratory Therapist at this grade level works independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings.

Duties

Duties and responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to the following: Compare and evaluate the indications and contraindications for sleep studies. Explain results in relation to types of respiratory sleep disorders. 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. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans. Retrieve credible sources of evidence. Critique published research. Apply evidence-based medicine to clinical practice. Explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization 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. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned above. 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. Essential functions are required to be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time for above full performance ratings. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:40pm. Telework: AD-HOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 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: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. 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 an associates degree in 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 and other applicable certifications to the specific job duties. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: 1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. 2. Hold an active license and RRT credential. The following certifications are desirable but not required: 1. CPFT, 2. RPFT or 3. RPSGT Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing. 2. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. 3. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing. iv. 4. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. 5. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring. Assignments. 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 are designated for complexity level 3 facilities only. In addition to the assignments of the full performance level position, incumbents are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment along with a combination of the duties from the following assignments below as Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary), Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary/ Polysomnography) under paragraphs(6)(a)-(c) and (7). This assignment is not appropriate and cannot be used in facilities designated at complexity level 1 and 2 (see assignments below beginning in paragraphs (6)(a)-(c) and (7) for facilities designated as complexity level 1 and 2). References: VA Handbook 5055/X Part II APPENDIX G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted).

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Fayetteville NC VA Medical Center 2300 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 US
• Name: Ltanya Walker
• Phone: 919-503-8223
• Email: [email protected]