This Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) position is located at the Lee County Outpatient Clinic, Cape Coral, FL, 2 hours South of the Bay Pines Healthcare System. The RRT will be responsible for providing direct patient respiratory care as outlined in the Respiratory Therapy Policy and Procedure Manual and performing job duties in accordance with mission, vision & values of the C.W. Young Veterans Hospital.

Duties

The incumbent displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in all Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Services. The services are performed in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), and policies and procedures of C. W. Young Veterans Hospital. The protocol and procedures are established for the treatment, management, evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) practices professionally, must be reliable, able to work independently and be self-motivated. Duties and responsibilities of the RRT include but are not limited to the following: Demonstrates knowledge and level of expertise required to perform Respiratory Care and Diagnostic services to care for patients. Monitors and evaluates patient performance during procedures and evaluates' response to therapy and recommends changes based on information obtained. Independently evaluate sleep related breathing disorders patients, and titrate pressures, download data, review compliance and fit patients with appropriate interface devices to achieve the physicians therapeutic goals. Performs pulmonary function testing which includes, but not limited to calibration of equipment, various diagnostic tests including Spirometry, Single Breath Diffusion (DLCO), Plethysmography (VTG). Perfoms Methacholine challenge, 6-minute walk test and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing(CPEX). Portable Home Sleep Monitor to include; assessment, education, equipment setup and downloading patient data. Demonstrates proficiency in all general care areas. Demonstrates proficiency in all critical care areas. Demonstrates knowledge regarding Reusable Medical Equipment. Performs advanced airway management. administration and set up of CPAP and /or BIPAP. Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families. Demonstrates proficiency at obtaining and delivering acceptable anaerobic arterial blood gas samples including insertion of arterial lines. Provides accurate, legible and complete documentation of patient care delivered and response to therapy. Provides care according to established policies and procedures and protocols. Initiates new therapy efficiently and accordance with policy. Participates in departmental and organizational improvement activities. Interacts effectively with patients, physicians and other members of the healthcare team. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately. Communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur. Recommends alternative patient therapies when appropriate. Reports problems following the departmental chain of command. Work Schedule: Part Time, Intermittent 08:00am - 4:30pm with occasional Saturday clinic coverage Functional Statement #: 20068F Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: 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 VA policy. English Language Proficiency. RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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.* * Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials: An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education, credential or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Applies to current VHA employees only. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-11 Experience & KSAs. Candidates must possess both 1. & 2. of the following: 1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level which are: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. 2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. *** Preferred Experience: Diagnostic Experience (PFT, Home sleep study, CPAP set-up) Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes Moderate lifting, 15 -44 pounds; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have to ability to stand for possibly long periods of time. Possible exposure to body fluid is involved. This position has been evaluated as a Level 1 in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definition of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Level 1 Positions in this category require the performance of tasks that are exposed to blood and potentially infectious body fluid. For additional information please see VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 Qualification Standards - Part II, Appendix G11

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 CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard Bay Pines, FL 33744 US
• Name: Edit Sedgwick
• Phone: 407-242-7396
• Email: [email protected]