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Summary The recruitment is for a Registered Respiratory Therapist, credentialed by and in good standing with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and current Respiratory Therapy License. The incumbent will work in critical, non-critical, emergent, and clinical areas of the hospital and perform other duties within their scope of practice and as assigned by supervisor. Responsibilities Major functions may include but are not limited to the following and require that the employee, with or without reasonable accommodations, be able to: Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certified and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications. Both are mandatory requirements of Code Teams members. Promptly respond to all STAT pages regarding a patient's cardio-pulmonary status, making an assessment of and providing emergency ventilation and /or oxygenation support for patients as needed. Promptly responds to cardiac/respiratory arrest, provides emergency airway management and assists in CPR. Assist in endotracheal tube insertion and securing of tube placement. Upon completion of Advanced Cardiac Life Support course and training by an anesthesiologist in proper techniques of intubation (OORAM certified), the incumbent may perform intubation in critical or life-threatening situations if hospital privileges are approved. Assess airway patency, including auscultation of the lung field and documentation of findings. Assesses and document the ventilatory status of the patient and provide assistance in determining the course of care. Provide and monitor delivery of inhaled medication as directed and prescribed by a physician. This can be delivered by, but not limited to updraft nebulizers, meter dose inhalers and/or spin inhalers. The incumbent will monitor and document effectiveness of medication, cardiac response before and after delivery, changes in breath sounds, cough production and patients' response, if possible, to effectiveness of medication delivery and documenting any adverse reactions. Complies with BCMA directive. Provide and monitor delivery of oxygen administration as ordered and directed by a physician. This can be delivered by, but not limited to oxygen delivery devices such as nasal cannulas, oxygen mask, venturi mask, non-rebreathing mask, aerosolized oxygen devices and high flow delivery devices. The incumbent will monitor and document type of delivery device, effectiveness of delivery by pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas results, patient's work of breathing pattern and observed dyspnea on exertion and any other adverse reactions. Provide and monitor all modes of invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation as ordered and directedby a physician. Mechanical ventilation can include, but not limited to volume- controlled ventilation, pressure-controlled ventilation, pressure support ventilation, and bi-level invasive and noninvasive ventilation. Perform, monitor, and document physician order changing the modes of ventilation, oxygen concentration, positive end expiratory pressure, pressure support, peak flow, sensitivity, inspiratory pressure, expiratory pressures, respiratory mechanics and alarm settings on all mechanical ventilatory devices. Monitor and document per physician orders static and dynamic compliance, airway resistance, rapid shallow breathing index, pressure/volume/flow graphics or other available data to enhance ventilator and/or artificial airway weaning. Keep abreast of new and effective means of monitoring and assist in the implementation of protocols to improve weaning methods. Provide and document artificial airway maintenance and care to ensure a mechanism to prevent nosocomial infections. This will include both endotracheal tube and tracheotomy tubes as provided by respiratory care policies and procedures. Provide and document airway clearance by either endotracheal, tracheal or nasotracheal suctioning utilizing strict infection control measures at all times. Provide input and assistance in changing or downsizing of tracheotomy tubes per a physician order. Assure preventive measures are taken and are documented to decrease Hospital Acquired Pressure Incidents with endotracheal tubes or masks. Provide and document chest physiotherapy as directed by a physician. Perform and document arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood gas samples for analysis per the Joint Commission standards, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations. Maintaining biohazard and infection control policy standards at all times. Perform arterial blood gas analysis. Always maintains biohazard and infection control policy standards. Documenting and informing ordering physician of any values (pH/PaCO2/PaO2) that fall within the "Critical Value Range". Perform diagnostic testing procedures to include but not limited to bedside spirometery, nocturnal oximetry and oxygen therapy assessments, 6- minute walk test, wrist oximetry and home sleep studies within facility. Review on an annual basis, as new changes are provided, or policies are updated the departments Policy and Procedure Manual. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Variable days 7:30 P.M.- 8:00 A.M. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 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. English Language Proficiency: applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience/Qualifications: 1 Year Experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the grade requirements below GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. 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. GS-07 Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate 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. Assignment: This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level will be responsible for the following assignments with minimal clinical supervision from an RRT at the full performance level in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review and other means as appropriate and share the information with health care team members. They use accepted measuring/monitoring tools for determining plan of care. They place nasal and oropharyngeal airway and perform nasal and tracheal suctioning. RRTs obtain, analyze and report arterial and venous blood gas samples. They perform duties in the critical area with close supervision to include in- line suctioning, re-positioning and securing Endo Tracheal tube, bag valve mask ventilation, assisting in patient transport and performing patient ventilator assessment. RRTs provide outpatient services, such as positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. GS-09 Experience: Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 level, or possess a Master of Science degree in respiratory care. In addition, applicants must demonstrate the following KSA's: 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. Assignment: This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level are responsible for the following under general guidance in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. 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 through the use of appropriate mechanical means. RRTs assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation. They provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. GS-11 Experience: Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. In addition, 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. Assignment: 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11- Registered Respiratory Therapist. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus; lifting, repositioning, safely moving patients (over 100 lbs.) with assistance as needed; and pushing or pulling heavy objects (over 50 lbs.) such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator equipment, routinely lifting and carrying small equipment items (less than 50 lbs.). The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures. 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. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.