The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is under the direct supervision of the Registered Respiratory Therapy Assistant Supervisor (RRT-AS)/ Registered Respiratory Therapy Supervisor (RRT-S). S/He displays proficiency, professional mentorship skills and performs at a level of excellence in respiratory therapy care. The RRT is responsible for their assigned program(s) and work unit(s) within the Anesthesia Service Line.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Executes Airway Management, Assesses vital signs, Assesses lung capacity to determine impairment, Astutely recognizes patient safety risks, intervenes appropriately and assists ventilation, Assists pulmonary functions and/or initiates artificial airways as necessary. Refer to expected OOORAM Core Competencies per CPM 112A 18-04 Out of OR Airway Management (OOORAM), Evaluates blood samples to determine oxygenation and electrolytes, Analyses radiographic images and sputum specimens. Assists and/or Performs Procedures, Tests and Studies related to the cardiopulmonary system (e.g., examinations, arterial puncture, function exams, specimen collection, pulmonary hygiene, breathing exercises, pulmonary rehabilitation). Manages Ventilation Support - Maintenance, management and analysis of cardiopulmonary therapy equipment to include patient and ventilator interface. Administers and maintains adept knowledge of Aerosol-Based Medications used to augment the cardiopulmonary system, diagnostic procedures or treatment. Serves/Assists Facility Medical Emergency groups, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Teams and Rapid Assessment Process (RAP) Teams Conducts & Counsels Patient/Family Education, Health promotion activities and programs, Disease prevention/management e.g., asthma education, smoking cessation, etc, Equipment Operation I.e. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) equipment, Inhalation Therapy and Aerosol Medication Administration. Supports RHJ VAMC Clinics i.e. CPAP/BIPAP, Sleep Lab etc. Administers inhalation respiratory therapies and treatments continuously while evaluating patient's physical status and responses. Provides patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession while working effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. Practices with colleagues and peers utilizing a collaborative team concept of pulmonary care while demonstrating effective communication skills and professional behaviors that promote cooperation and interdisciplinary teamwork. Demonstrates skill in conducting and managing respiratory therapy for a broad range of pulmonary procedures and pathologies adapting and modifying respiratory techniques to optimize patient care. Demonstrates the ability to perform the clinical and technical aspects of respiratory care and has in-depth knowledge of respiratory procedures, treatments, equipment and techniques. Effectively blends technology, skills, and competency for the advancement of ventilation techniques, pharmacology, and equipment. Applies new developments and theories to recognize and solve various acute/chronic ventilation episodes. Demonstrates the ability to share expertise within or beyond the facility or as an active participant in interdisciplinary groups (e.g. committees, task-forces, projects, formal teaching, publications, research or other professional activities). Participates in the development of the patient care audit processes, records and analysis when applicable. Uses advanced clinical knowledge/judgment to promote in planning, decision making and evaluating patient outcomes. Functions as an expert in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities. Systematically evaluates current practice, and formulates outcomes for groups of patients and/or organizational processes within area of expertise. Uses professional standards of care, scientific evidence and practice to evaluate programs and/or service activities. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS50655 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. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be pr 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 Determination for the GS-11: Applicants must have at least 1 year of creditable experience related to respiratory therapy at the GS-9 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level and hold an active license and RRT credential. 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. Preferred Experience: This is a stand alone position so the candidate must be a GS-11 full performance level RRT. Experience with Pulmonary Function Testing, CPAP Compliance, Set-up, Issue and Troubleshooting and Home Oxygen Therapy are preferred but not required. ??????? References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11, March 12, 2021 The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The incumbent must be a mature flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

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 Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401 US
• Name: Todd Bellamy
• Phone: 704-638-9000 X16469
• Email: [email protected]