Under the general supervision of the Chief, Pulmonary & Critical Care Section, Chief of Respiratory Therapy, Out-Patient Respiratory Supervisor the Home CPAP/Oxygen Therapist is responsible for the all activities related to the distribution of respiratory equipment and instruction of the patient and caregivers regarding the equipment and usage. The incumbent must have knowledge of the VA system and eligibility status including alternative community care providers such as Medicare. 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: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 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: applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience/Qualifications: 2-3 years' experience working with and instructing patients on the use of durable medical equipment related to respiratory care for home use, as well as experience with the compliance programs for this equipment. A strong background working with multiple types of CPAPs, Bilevels, home vents and other related respiratory equipment is preferred. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the grade requirements below: GS-11 Experience: Applicants must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. In addition, 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. Assignments. This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11- Registered Respiratory Therapist. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs); Pushing; Straight pulling; Pulling hand over hand; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 6 hours); Standing (up to 6 hours); Kneeling (Intermittent); Repeated bending (up to 6 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 an to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional and Mental Stability. ["Duties may include but are not limited to: - Responsible to understand, interpret and comply with Pulmonary & Critical Care Section Out-Patient and VAMC hospital policies, as well as all applicable laws and regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues. - Ensures that patient encounters are completed and closed out correctly in Vista/CPRS. Maintains all appropriate records and documentation per policy Maintains accurate files of all patients in the Home Care Program per VAMC, TJC and Medicare guidelines. - Maintains patient records per Pulmonary & Critical Care Section - Out-Patient and VAMC and confidentiality standards. - Follow all local and VHA policies and procedures (e.g., VHA Directive 2006-055) dealing with access and utilization of the Scheduling Package and Advanced Clinic Access. - Responsible to evaluate all home care pulmonary equipment requests, i.e. small volume nebulizer, suction equipment, etc to include the eligibility of the veteran patient for the equipment. Assures that the required paperwork is processed to Medicare and/or VA Prosthetics' Department for Oxygen, CPAP/BIPAP, etc. - Responsible to conduct a CPAP/BIPAP issue and proper care of equipment class to patients eligible and authorized this home equipment by the VAMC. - Responsible to educate veteran patients on other respiratory home care equipment issued to include svn's, oxygen safety and use, flutter valve, etc., to patients eligible and authorized by the VAMC. - Responsible to download and maintain data entry from the CPAP/BIPAP \"smart card\" received from the patients authorized this home equipment by the VAMC.- Responsible to interpret the CPAP/BIPAP \"smart card\" and place the interpretation notes to include any problems noted. -Responsible to contact patient for any follow-up if indicated and place these notes as well into CPRS. Work Schedule: 6:00am-4:30pm Compressed Tour Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
