Job Summary

Ann Arbor Michigan Veterans Affair is hiring a Registered Respiratory Therapist at the Ann Arbor Michigan Veterans Affairs Health Administration. The incumbent will be serving in Inpatient Respiratory Care Department and the Outpatient Respiratory Care Program, under the LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center.

Job Description

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. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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) 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-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. 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. Preferred Experience: Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Testing Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Considerable walking/standing may be required. Frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling may be required when assisting with the transfer of patients or when moving equipment or supplies. Frequent, prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required. Manual dexterity and mobility are required. Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching may be necessary. Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required. Intermittent exertion is possible. Subject to interruptions and stress from multiple calls, patient needs and/or inquiries from others, whether in-person, on the telephone or via computer. Sound judgement and ability to function under stress is required. Inappropriate actions/judgment, especially those during emergency or crisis situations, may result in injury or death.