The Respiratory Therapy Section of the Medicine Service at the Hampton VA Medical Center. The respiratory therapy section is responsible for providing the full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings.
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. 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. 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. (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. (d) Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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. Education and Licensure: This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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: Candidates must have: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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-5 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolong periods of time, frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to setup and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus. Must be able to moderately lift to 44lbs, move equipment and supplies from patient bedside to equipment room and vice versa; lifting and repositioning patients; pushing or pulling heavy object such as oxygen tanks and or ventilators during patient transport.
Duties Include: Perform bedside spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests( plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing and diaphragm stimulation) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results. Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post care of bronchoscopy procedures. Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices. Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment cardiopulmonary diseases. Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute- care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. Assist in developing, administering, evaluating, and modifying respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. - Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. Perform basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Maintain knowledge and skills necessary to retain certification. Perform advance airway placement or may assist physicians and full performance RRTs in placing more advanced artificial airways. Collaborate with other professionals in care management built upon evidence-based medicine and clinical protocols. Use evidence- based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols. Deliver therapeutic interventions based on evidence-based medicine and clinical outcome. Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to aerosol systems in all patient settings. Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to lung expansion Work Schedule: Full Time, 40 hours per week. Scheduling will be discussed during the interview process. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized