Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee seeks a Registered Respiratory Therapist to provide basic and advanced respiratory care to adult and geriatric patients. The incumbent will plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures.

Candidates must have an accredited respiratory care program, hold an RRT license and credential, and CPFT or RPFT certification. English proficiency is required.

Qualifications

• CoARC-accredited respiratory care program completed.
• Active RRT license and credential required for duration of employment.
• English language proficiency required.
• CPFT or RPFT certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic and advanced respiratory care to adults and geriatrics.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate respiratory care procedures.
• Demonstrate advanced pulmonary function skills and clinical judgment.

Skills

PFT knowledge

Quality control

Physiologic data analysis

Assess adverse drug actions

Advanced pulmonary function procedures

Clinical consultation

Education

CoARC-accredited respiratory care program

Job description

This position is organizationally aligned to the Respiratory Care Unit, Medicine Service, at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC. The primary purpose oft his position is to provide basic and advanced Respiratory services to adult and geriatric patients ;however, the therapist must be knowledgeable regarding the basic treatment of all age groups. Plans, implements, and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures.

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 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. 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:

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.

Experience, Licensure and Credential:

Candidates must:. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. RRTs at this grade level in this assignment have experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment across many areas of respiratory care both inpatient and out patient. Hold an active license and RRT credential.

Certification:

Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt test. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Sill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12.

Physical Requirements:

Physical demands may include repetitive body movements including the following: frequent reaching, standing, walking, and lifting of equipment and/or patients to provide patient care. This position requires extension of the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction including above or below shoulder level, during the provision of patient care, including retrieval of needed equipment, supplies and to make contact with the patient. This position may require the maintenance of an upright position to perform duties associated with patient care. Note: Must have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification prior to assuming clinical duties. The BLS requirement is satisfied by successfully completing an American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Healthcare Provider Course or Military Training Network (MTN). BLS courses are normally offered within 1-5 days of entry on duty. No online certifications will be accepted.