The Registered Respiratory Therapist will service primarily in the Intensive Care Unit and STAT Laboratory with responsibility for independently administering complex respiratory therapy procedures and treatment to critically ill patients and operation of the STAT Laboratory. Will also cover other areas of the hospital as needed, such as in a cardiac/pulmonary arrest, acute respiratory failure, or as patient evaluators.

Duties

Sets up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume and/or pressure cycled ventilators for critical care patients. Based on patient assessment and analysis of blood gas data independently adjusts ventilator settings to change the patient's ventilator status. Applies conventional ventilator techniques ( invasive or non- invasive) such as positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), intermittent mandatory ventilator (IMV), continuous positive pressure (CPAP) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) as well as advanced modalities such as airway pressure relieve ventilation (APRV) and Bi-Level ventilation and any other type of ventilatory modality for which the therapist has been trained. Develops plan for weaning patients from ventilators. Monitors patients closely to avoid incidents and may alter the plan as necessary. Initially and continually assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of the assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination and respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment. The therapist will be able to determine the effectiveness and/or need for change in the therapy being administered. Manages airway and tube care on intensive care patients including cleaning and securing the tracheotomy and endotracheal tube and site, changing inner cannula for tracheotomy tubes as needed, monitoring tube cuff pressure, and inspecting equipment and patient to ensure proper functioning of the ventilator. During emergency situations, the therapist will collaborate and independently assist physician with airways management to provide mechanical ventilation to controlled breathing. In cases of cardiac arrest, initiates artificial ventilation using either mouth- to mask techniques or manual bag-mask ventilation to restore patient's respirations and compressions to restore heartbeat. During transport of ventilated patients within the hospital, maintains adequate ventilation and monitors vital signs. Registered respiratory therapists are required to maintain current BLS and ACLS certifications. Draws arterial samples through puncture or arterial blood samples from patient through arterial line. Can use various equipment such as blood gas analyzers, co- oximeters, and pulse oximeters to analyze blood samples and results of blood gas studies. All Registered Respiratory Therapists that work in the STAT Laboratory will maintain a current Florida State License and NBRC Credentials up to date as required by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and (TJC). Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists and nursing personnel relative to the types of treatments and/or medications used, and the set up and operation of respiratory equipment including the necessary cleaning and safety precautions. Calibrates complex respiratory equipment such as mechanical ventilators, blood gas analyzers co-oximeters. Identifies and corrects mechanical malfunction of equipment used in the respiratory therapy service. Records treatments, findings, and patients' progress pertinent to their care. Work Schedule: (INTERMITTENT DAY SHIFT - 12 hours PER shift ). Salary will be prorated based on hours worked Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 30590F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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: 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). 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). 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 durations of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level) 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. Knowledge, skills and abilities at the GS-09 level 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11 Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0601 VHA. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. 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. For additional information, see VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1201 Northwest 16th Street Miami, FL 33125 US
• Name: Carla Burton
• Phone: 216-272-5554
• Email: [email protected]