Career Center

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2022 or until all positions are filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 6, 2021, with subsequent cut-off dates of every Monday until all positions are filled. 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 38U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (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. 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 from the National Board of Respiratory Care. Grade Determinations: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11, Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Must be able to Moderately Lift and Carry 15-44 lbs.; reach above shoulders; to use fingers, both eyes, have depth perception; distinguish different shades of color; ability to hear (hearing aids permitted). Ability to access all patient care areas as required. ["If you are a current, permanent VA or Federal employee, you should apply using announcement: CBST-11303185-22-DB The Registered Respiratory Therapist is assigned to the Cardiopulmonary Section of the Medical Care Line at the Fayetteville, AR VA Medical Center. The Respiratory Therapist (RRT) works independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The incumbent must be able to use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. Administers a variety of complex respiratory therapy treatments. Assesses patients by history, pulmonary physical assessment, and chart review before the start of therapy. Uses data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. Consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. Knowledgeable regarding the use of medications in respiratory therapy and will observe the patient for desired and adverse effects of those medications, as well as the effects of the type of therapy delivering the medications. Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators (critical systems), end tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen delivery devices, re-breathers, and oximetry monitors. Suggests alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient. Performs routine respiratory therapy treatment to hospital ward patients such as administering oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy. Sputum specimens will be obtained by induction as ordered. Conducts Patient education will be done in all aspects of respiratory care pertaining to the individual patient and according to the patient's or his family's ability to assimilate the information. Functions as an in-service educator to any personnel needing knowledge of respiratory therapy procedures, equipment, pulmonary anatomy, and physiology. Functions as a member of the Code Blue and Rapid Response Teams and is expected to be proficient in basic CPR, Emergency Airway Management to include intubation and provide ventilation with use of resuscitation bag. Responsible to maintain a current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Out of Operating Room Airway Management (OOORAM) certifications including intubation checkoff. Assists in transport outside the medical center or to other areas of the medical center for those patients requiring respiratory support as indicated. During transport of patients, maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary. Attends continuing education programs inside and outside the medical center as appropriate to keep abreast of changes and developments in respiratory therapy and in other areas impacting respiratory therapy and to maintain CEU's for state license and NBRC credentialing. Draws arterial blood samples from patients throughout the medical center in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with established policy and procedure. Responsible for operation, routine maintenance, daily calibrations, and quality control of the ABG analyzer. Calibrates complex respiratory equipment such as PFT analyzers to assure accurate performance. Provides equipment set up and cleaning, intraoperative assistance, and processing of all clinical specimens in the performance of fiber optic bronchoscopies. Assists physician in performing bronchoscopy procedures. Performs pulmonary function (PFT) studies as required. These include spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusion capacity. Delivers respiratory care as needed in the more complex respiratory care procedures and to poor risk patients such as those in the older age group. Participates in the audit of respiratory care, recommending changes where indicated. Uses equipment required for patient care using hospital policies and procedures, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines safely and effectively. Responsible for assisting the Cardiopulmonary leadership with creating, revising, and implementing various respiratory procedures, performance improvement monitors and processes, and to participate on various clinical focused committees. Work Schedule: Intermittent\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]