PLEASE READ THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE BEGINNING THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO ENSURE YOU SUBMIT ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. This Job Opportunity Announcement will be used to fill a Registered Respiratory Therapist - Pulmonary Function Test GS-0601-12 position in Specialty Care Service at the Cheyenne VA Health Care System, Loveland, CO.

Duties

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) at this grade level in this position compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. They perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. RRTs conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. They train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry. The RRT's major duties include but are not limited to: 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. Ensures equipment and supplies are available for use. Participates in evaluation of new equipment and services. Participates in Continuous Improvement initiatives, monitors compliance within the PFT clinic area. Resolves technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides and other reference sources. Provides accurate, legible, and complete documentation of patient care delivered and response to therapy. Provides quality control oversight to the personnel performing spirometry in the CBOCs and other locations. Acts as liaison to providers for testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special service. Recommends changes in the PFT Lab to improve services and patient care Assists with completion of department paperwork. Assists in planning and implementing effective educational programs for in-services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab Provides additional, non-traditional services as determined by CVAMC and department needs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 59101-A 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. To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: 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 VA Policy Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (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. English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grandfathering Provision. 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. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. The duties and responsibilities assigned to these positions are the full scope of the duties defined under the RRT, GS-11 full performance level which includes: Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level which includes: 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. 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: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 Part II Appendix G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Physical movements involve completion of routine Respiratory Therapist functions.

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 Cheyenne VA Medical Center 2360 East Pershing Boulevard Cheyenne, WY 82001 US
• Name: Carrie Konowicz
• Phone: 303-202-8633
• Email: [email protected]