The incumbent works in the Pulmonary Department of the Hospital and Specialty Care Division at the Western North Carolina Healthcare System in Asheville NC.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Direct Clinical Care Incumbent will independently interpret physician treatment plan and evaluate patients using standard techniques appropriate for diagnosis to establish a baseline function. The incumbent will design an exercise treatment plan based on their analysis of initial patient assessment, chart review, perform six-minute walk test and as well as assessing patient preferences and health goals. Physical ability assessments include screening for risk factors that would influence ability to actively participate in the program. Incumbent will perform an initial patient interview including: assessment for admitting diagnosis, present illness and clinical status, current signs and symptoms, past medical history, social history, employment status, risk factors for coronary artery disease and chronic diseases, comorbidities, alcohol or substance abuse. Incumbent will educate patient on exercise plan, including leading exercise demonstration. Incumbent will make recommendations for appropriate home exercise equipment and provide orientation to exercise equipment including, but not limited to, exercise peddler, heart rate monitor watch, exercise bands and pedometer. Incumbent will monitor patient use of home equipment and their physical response to exercise, including documentation of adverse events as necessary. Physical response to exercise will include time, heart rate, oxygen saturation, symptoms and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) recorded by patient. Incumbent will work effectively with patient/family/team members and other health care providers in meeting patient treatment goals. Clinical Assessment Incumbent will consult with program director and supervisor for coordination and collaboration of patient care. Incumbent will perform an initial chart review to verify diagnosis and current medical status, and identify pulmonary risk factors in order to begin planning education and interventions and determine the existence of any comorbidities or complications that may increase the risk of an adverse event. Incumbent will develop and implement ongoing, individualized therapy treatment programs. Treatment programs will include measureable or time specific goals with reevaluation and alteration of treatment plan as necessary based upon patient progress, specific needs and cultural diversity. Incumbent will evaluate daily log maintained by patient. Incumbent will use this information to modify and optimize exercise plan to achieve stated goals. Program Administrative Duties Incumbent will be responsible for all Pulmonary Rehab administrative duties, including scheduling appointments, comprising of initial patient interview as well as all follow-up appointments to complete the program, as well as completing all encounters, progress notes and consults associated with the Pulmonary Rehab program. Incumbent will compile and submit Pulmonary Rehab program progress, participation and status reports as established by supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: M-F 0730 - 4:00pm Telework: Regularly Teleworks 3+ days per pay period Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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 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). GS-12: Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level and hold an active license and RRT credential. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: Ability to develop policies and guidelines regarding new and emerging procedures. Ability to implement policies and guidelines regarding new and emerging procedures. Ability to maintain policies and guidelines regarding new and emerging procedures. Ability to make recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures. Ability to perform complex analytical studies of patient care. Ability to interpret results to coordinate the management and evaluation of patient care. Ability to coordinate the work of subordinate staff. Ability to manage all aspects of a complex patient care program including day-to-day operation, training program resources and fiscal management. Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. 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. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: COPD Educator course offered by the AARC References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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 Charles George VA Medical Center 1100 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805 US
• Name: John Westling
• Phone: 828-333-3451
• Email: [email protected]