Pulmonary services are under the Primary Care & Specialty Medicine Integrated Care Community at the Fargo VA HCS. Pulmonary services are located at the main facility and pulmonary staff report directly to the Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist, Pulmonary/Sleep Lab and function under the clinical supervision of the Pulmonologist. 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. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: Respiratory Therapist, GS-05 (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) 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 (a) Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. ii. 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. iii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. iv. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. v. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09 (a) Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. OR ii. A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. ii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. iii. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. iv. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 (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. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document. Physical Requirements: Standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and walking required. Use of hands and fingers required. The incumbent must pass a pre-employment physical for this position. 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-5 to GS-11. ["The Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the delivery of the entire spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory therapy services in a safe and competent manner. Services to include but not limited to: Safely and accurately initiates mechanical ventilation and makes suggestions on advanced modes of therapy. Manages non-invasive ventilation to include CPAP/BIPAP. Follows all ventilator bundle guidelines. Manages and maintains the patient airway and ventilation using appropriate mechanical means. Performs advanced airway management (OORAM/intubating to include monthly simulation competency). Recognizes the need for emergency measures in the most critically ill patient and performs accordingly as part of the CODE1 and RRT teams. Demonstrates competency in artificial airway management to include tracheostomy care and endotracheal tube management. Obtains biologics to include arterial blood gas puncture. Uses critical thinking skill when performing analysis and interpretation. Places arterial lines on critically ill patients. Accurately verifies orders and acts in a timely manner and consults with providers and other healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care. Consistently determines and initiates complex respiratory care such as RT driven protocols to determine appropriate therapy for medication management, lung expansion, pulmonary hygiene and oxygen therapy. Documentation is completed in the electronic medical record (including ICCA) per policy. Accurately and safely delivers inhaled medications using proper technique, medication dosage and delivery and monitor the patient for potential side effects, assuring the ongoing safety of the patient receiving respiratory care. Work Schedule: Monday-Sunday; 0645-1915; 0700-1900; 1045-1915; 1500-2330;1900-0700; 2300-0700; 12-hour shifts and one 8 hours shift a pay period. Occasional Weekends and Holidays; In addition to base salary, the selectee may receive differential of 10% for night shifts and 25% for weekend shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
