This position is organizationally aligned to the Respiratory and Sleep Services at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) North Chicago, IL (556) - a complexity level 1c VHA facility. The primary purpose of this position is to perform all respiratory therapy procedures to inpatient and outpatient Veterans. 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. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Co ARC 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 (Proof of License Required) 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. (Proof of Credential Required) Grade Determinations:: GS-11 Requirements: Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: a. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level (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; Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation). AND b. Hold an active RRT license 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,PART II, APPENDIX G11 - Qualification Standard for REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST, GS-0601. March 12, 2021 Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, in-patient and outpatient. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting, bending, stooping and possible exposure to body fluid is involved. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. ["RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs 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 respiratory therapist must have a thorough understanding of the objectives and adverse effects associated with respiratory therapy procedures and pharmacologic effects of all medication administrated. The respiratory therapist must have knowledge of respiratory physiology, normal and abnormal breath sounds and arterial blood gas patterns and have the ability to use the information to assist the physician on appropriate changes to improve patient outcome. TEMPORARY: This is a temporary position. You may choose to continue to apply for permanent positions through USAJobs.com, as an \"External\" applicant. Is not eligible for leave (vacation) accrual, life, insurance, or health benefits. The position is designated as a drug testing position. This is a temporary appointment. Temporary appointments are non-status, nonpermanent appointments of limited duration for one year or less. Should the need warrant, temporary appointments may be extended without further competition up to a maximum of one additional year (for a total of two years, or 24 months within the preceding three year or 36 months' period). The appointment to a temporary position does not confer eligibility for promotion, reassignment, or transfer to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment. Work Schedule: 2 Shifts 7:00pm-7:30am and/or 11:00pm - 7:30am. There are 2 Part-time shifts totaling 16 hours per week and alternating weekend. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not 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.
