The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is recruiting for two (2) full-time Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT). 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). 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 (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. 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. Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion. It includes occasional walking, reaching, bending, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment, in filing, and in positioning patients. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling light to moderately heavy objects including the occasional pushing of patients in wheelchairs is also required. Some occasional travel to patient homes may be required, but only as designated by the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor. He/she must have the ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors due to working around blood gas instrumentation. At times, work may be fast-paced and more physically and mentally demanding. ["***A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants*** MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Plans, provides, and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff, and families. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an in-depth understanding 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. Performs patient, family, and caregiver education. Educates and trains new staff, students, and members of the healthcare team. Performs equipment troubleshooting, minor repairs, mask fittings, and equipment cleaning, calibration, and maintenance is required. Monitors 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. Performs arterial puncture via careful anaerobic technique, proper storage of blood until analyzed and utilizing all necessary safeguards to prevent complications from this technique. INPATIENT SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES The Registered Respiratory Therapist assigned to the inpatient area is an essential member of the patient care team. He/she will collaborate with all members of the health care team to deliver quality care. The inpatient therapist's specialized duties will include: Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings using the appropriate respiratory care protocols Complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members Measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate Measure and document oxygen saturation with oximetry under all appropriate conditions (with or without oxygen at rest and during sleep, ambulation, and exercise) Evaluate patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles and inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies Obtain medical, surgical, family, social, behavioral, and occupational history, and other historical information incident to the purpose of the current complaint Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry), lung volumes and diffusion studies Initiates, evaluates and educates on the use of Capnography. Calibrates, trouble- shoots and trends results Aerosol Therapy Oxygen Therapy Work with home oxygen vendor to set up new oxygen patients when home oxygen clinic is closed Volume Expansion Therapy All aspects of mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive) Intra-hospital transport of critically ill patients being mechanically ventilated (invasive or non-invasive) Respond to all Code Blue situations and Rapid Response calls Intubation assist Extubation Blood gas procurement for analysis via arterial puncture Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests and recommend appropriate interventions and/or adjustments in therapy based on results Level II OORAM certification Total airway care and management, including the care and management of artificial airways Bronchoscopy prep and assist Bedside diagnostic respiratory testing Total tracheostomy care Accompany providers when rounding in ICU on patients receiving respiratory interventions Able to develop, administer, evaluate, reevaluate, and modify respiratory care plans both the acute and home setting utilizing evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines to provide quality care. Work Schedule: Rotating 12 hour shifts, including weekends and holidays. Primary tours are 0630-1900 and 1830-0700 Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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.
