The Wilmington VA Medical Center is recruiting for a Registered Respiratory Therapist. The Registered Respiratory Therapist will function in Medicine/Respiratory Care Service.

Duties

Duties of a Registered Respiratory Therapist includes but not limited to: Administer a variety of complex respiratory treatments to patients on hospital wards and intensive care units. Supply, inspect, and test all respiratory therapy equipment to insure proper operating condition. Set up and monitor respiratory equipment such as volume and pressure ventilators, respiratory monitor, re-breather, and oxygen monitor. Make frequent adjustments in mechanical ventilator techniques such as Assist Control, Pressure Control, Airway Pressure Release Ventilation. Ability to obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. (APRV), Pressure Support ventilation, positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV), and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), etc. Initiates airway management on patients, including endotracheal intubation, tracheobronchial and naso-tracheal suctioning, obtaining sputum/tracheal aspirates for cultures, endotracheal and tracheostomy tube cuff pressure monitoring, chest physical therapy involving postural drainage and percussion, and chest examinations for the presence of secretions and proper placement of the endotracheal tube. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other health care professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. Develop plans for weaning patients from ventilators and discuss with physician providers. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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. 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). 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: (a) Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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. (c) 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 Part II Appendix G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in all patient care areas (in-patient and outpatient). Respiratory Therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting, and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44lbs). Respiratory Therapists must have or obtain the ability to handle varying levels of stress in a positive manner.

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 Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805 US
• Name: Brianna Buckingham
• Email: [email protected]