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

ASSIGNMENTS: Responsible for independently setting up, monitoring and troubleshooting all modalities of ventilators (invasive and non-invasive), Pressure and Volume Ventilation and other complex modalities and keeping the healthcare team informed of any complication or concern. Follows Respiratory Driven Ventilator Protocol to provide a consistent procedure for respiratory therapists in partnership with physicians to manage invasive mechanical ventilation, adjusting as necessary, drawing ABG's to monitor patient status and changing to weaning protocol as necessary. Attend ICU / 3M-Surgical Rounds each day to plan and participate in a multi-disciplinary team to maximize patient care. Independently set up and check function and troubleshoot ventilators. Performs the most difficult respiratory therapy procedures to maintain ventilation, including endotracheal intubation. Does annual out of OR (OORAM) didactic training and performs skill competencies by either proctored simulation or live OR Intubations. Administers inhaled medications by various modalities, recognizing and responding appropriately to adverse reactions. Insert and manage arterial lines. Sets up and changes oxygen delivery devices and assures proper delivery of ordered liter flow or concentration. Performs airway care and suctions as needed for the tracheobronchial tree via endotracheal tube, tracheotomy or nasotracheal using aseptic technique. Performs chest physiotherapy to mobilize secretions. Serves as a member of the Code Blue and Rapid Response Team responding to cardiorespiratory emergencies. Maintains knowledge of respiratory drugs, appropriateness of therapy, patient's response to therapy, adverse drug effects, and proper drug dosage. Participates in both the planning and delivery of respiratory care related teaching and training programs for the patient and patient's caregiver. FUNCTIONS - DIAGNOSTIC TESTING/PULMONARY FUNCTION:

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: -Citizenship Citizen of the United States (U.S.). -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). -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. OR -Exception RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below. VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received. RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. -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: Respiratory Therapist, GS-05 -Experience None beyond the basic requirements. AND -Education and Licensure This level assignment is designated as temporary for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07 -Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. AND -Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09 -Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. AND -Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 -Experience, Licensure and Credential One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential. AND -Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Work is primarily performed out-patient care areas, but can be both inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. 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 (15-44 lbs.).

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Western Colorado Health Care System 2121 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 US
• Name: VISN 19 HR Contact Center
• Phone: 719-227-4600
• Email: [email protected]