This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Duties include, but not limited to: Develop skills through literature review of pulmonary medicine which include recognizing reproducibility of maneuvers and preliminary interpretation of diagnostic information. Contribute ideas, plans and information to improve outpatient respiratory services. Develop skills through literature review of pulmonary medicine which include recognizing reproducibility of maneuvers and preliminary interpretation of diagnostic information. Administer routine and special pulmonary function testing. Adhere to established standards of practice and exercises sound clinical judgment. Performs diagnostic evaluation including Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance and Conductance, arterial blood gas interpretation - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. Monitors and evaluates patient performance during procedures and evaluates' response to PFT and recommends changes based on information obtained. Provides patient with clear, concise instructions and coach the patient to achieve the best, reproducible results. Plans, provides, and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families. Provides consult service at the request of nursing staff or physician. Provides recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of patient. Maintains knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology, and oxygen administration. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur. Communicates the philosophy, aims and policies of hospital administration to the patients and their families, other hospital personnel and team members. Maintains rapport with other departments to improve the quality of patient care. Assumes responsibility for professional growth through continuing education and participation in professional organizations. Works with little or no instruction regarding the technical work that is to be accomplished. Responsible for independently carrying out and following up on the respiratory care administered to each patient. Actively participates with the physicians and nurses in planning the treatment. The medical personnel rely greatly upon the therapist's knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the respiratory equipment and the therapist's expertise in performing respiratory procedures. Independently make recommendations to the physician regarding alternatives or modifications to treatment. Work Schedule: 6:00am-6:30pm rotating days to included weekends and holidays Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 502-00513-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)/Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) in the Alexandria VAMC encompass diagnostic evaluation, assessment, and provision of patient care services to both inpatients and outpatients. 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-12 Requirements: Experience, Licensure Credential and Certification. Candidates must: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Candidates must hold a CPFT or RPFT. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) - In addition to meeting the experience requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Preferred Experience: Certified in CPFT References: VA Handbook 5005/141, APPENDIX G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Alexandria VA Medical Center 2495 Shreveport Highway Pineville, LA 71360 US
• Name: Grace Jackson
• Phone: 725-780-8676
• Email: [email protected]