This position is located within the Specialty Care Section at the Togus Maine VA Medical Center. THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA) ESTABLISHES A STANDING REGISTER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, which closes on 12/1/2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 04/10/2023 with subsequent reviews every other week as additional vacancies occur, or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled. 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). Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). English Language Proficiency: RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) License: All applicants must have an full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT. Credentials: All applicants must possess and maintain a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. Certification: All applicants must hold a CPFT or RPFT and RPSGT. Education: Completion of a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Registered Respiratory Therapist/(Pulmonary/Polysomnography) GS-12 (a) Experience, Licensure, Credential and Certification Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. iii. Certification: All applicants must hold a CPFT or RPFT and RPSGT. Experience: RRTs at this level compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex PFTs and recognizes normal/abnormal results. They administer a variety of medications or methods utilized for bronchoprovocation testing. They monitor and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform initial quality review of test results, ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether patient meets criteria for termination of testing. They conduct quality control expected by the ATS for all test performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. RRTs perform polysomnographic testing and titration studies including activities such as applying electrodes and various monitors to multiple body sites. They evaluate the relationship of events, sleep stages and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. They anticipate problems likely to occur during the sleep study, prepare for such situations and make changes in established procedures. They obtain data measuring wake, sleep and breathing states and record various signals from the brain and airways, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation and position to enable the physician to assess and diagnose sleep and breathing disorders. RRTs troubleshoot and calibrate polysomnography, computer, oximeters, movement monitors and patient electrodes prior to the onset of each recording. They analyze and score patient data and summarize on report for physician interpretation. They monitor and initiate interventions for complications of testing and determines whether patient meets criteria for termination of testing. RRTs perform electroencephalogram and home sleep testing and evaluate results. Preferred Experience: RPSGT Certification, Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include cardiopulmonary stress testing, metabolic testing and bronchoprovocation testing. b. Ability to maintain all equipment related to pulmonary function and polysomnography testing. c. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function and polysomnography testing. d. Knowledge of treatment for acute complications for all pulmonary function and polysomnography testing. e. Skill in scoring data during and post diagnostic testing. f. Skill in analyzing data during and post diagnostic testing. g. Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing. h. Skill in the calibrations and troubleshooting of polysomnographic equipment. i. Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks and discomforts that require special safety and health precautions. Work is typically performed in a clinical setting that exposes incumbent to biohazards, hazardous chemicals and hazardous medications common in health care environment. Such exposure will be mitigated in accordance with local policies and operating procedures as per USP800 standards, OSHA guidance and local risk assessment practices. Standard safety precautions and PPE are required and specified per local policies. The employee will apply all established safe practices, will report unsafe conditions and unsafe practices to the supervisor, and will report any occupational injury or illness as promptly as practical. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the circulatory and pulmonary systems and the major organs associated with these systems. Knowledge of a variety of related acute and chronic disorders and diseases, their effect on the lungs and heart, and the method of treatment. Knowledge of the pharmacology of common respiratory drugs, common dosages, typical and atypical patient responses and side effects. Knowledge of respiratory therapy and all necessary equipment including but not limited to concentrators, mechanical ventilators, CPAP and Bi-level therapy equipment, pulse oximeters, end-tidal CO2 monitors, suction equipment, oxygen delivery systems, conserving devices, airway clearance devices, portable spirometry testing equipment. Prepare to acquire new knowledge and skills, as necessary relevant to the coordination of care for inpatients and outpatients. Expect to perform patient, family, and caregiver education as needed. Educate and train new staff, students, and members of the healthcare team. Have expertise in the operation of all respiratory care equipment and be able to select and manipulate the respiratory equipment and therapy to meet patient needs. Able to instruct physicians and other healthcare professionals in the proper utilization of respiratory care equipment and therapy. When assessing a patient, providing care, or providing educational instruction, the employee will consider the age of the patient and any learning barriers as well as personal learning preferences as each relates to the ability to understand directions, provide objective self-assessment or any other personal information appropriate to the medical treatment plan. Perform equipment troubleshooting, minor repairs, mask fittings, and equipment cleaning, calibration, and maintenance. Able to monitor vital signs, perform and interpret arterial blood gases, and perform clinical assessments, recommend treatment options, and assess patient response appropriate for a registered respiratory therapist. Skill in arterial puncture by utilizing arterial puncture technique with collections via careful anaerobic technique, proper storage of blood until analyzed and utilizing all necessary safeguards to prevent complications from this technique. The therapist performs this duty routinely and without supervision. Work Schedule: Varies TBD Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement# F02905 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This position is in a Bargaining Unit position. This position is in the Excepted Service. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. No award SF50's will be accepted as they don't possess the correct information."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
