Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

Qualifications

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 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 RRTEnglish 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: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-12(a) Experience - Licensure and Credential Candidates must: iHave one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that levelRRTs 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 outpatientiiHold an active license and RRT credential(b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities In addition to the requirements above - candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workloadAbility to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workloadAbility to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolutionAbility to recommend uncommon or atypical interventionsAbility to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies

Responsibilities

Assignments: This assignment may be established as day/evening/night and/or inpatient/outpatientThey ensure work is distributed among employees in accordance with established workflow or job specializationLead RRTs assure timely accomplishment of the assigned workload - assess the status - quality and progress of work and make day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established prioritiesThey provide clinical practice guidance for other respiratory staff and assist with technical work problems not covered by precedents or established policies for non-routine or complex proceduresThey assist RRTs in determining treatment options for complex patientsThey study the quality and quantity of work and operating effectiveness and take or recommend needed actionsThey represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings

Preferred Experience

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in inpatient critical care - be knowledgeable in typical lead responsibilities - including educating staff - staffing procedures and clinical representation

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Duties

• Reviews - collects and evaluates relevant clinical data
• Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment
• Communicates orally and in writing - changes - adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team members
• Provides effective education and training to patients - students and co-workers as appropriate
• Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patientsExamples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture - blood gas analysis - pulmonary function testing - bronchoscopy assistance - pulmonary rehabilitation - endotracheal intubation - oxygen administration etc
• Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines
• Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities
• Formulates goals for professional development annually
• Participates in performance improvement and research activities
• Maintains BCLS and ACLS certifications
• Keeps abreast of information and skills related to program area
• Shares in the construction of monthly schedules
• Performs or assists with the collection of QM/PI data as required for programs
• Consistently participates in constructive information exchange via email - informal discussion and planned meetings
• Demonstrates cooperative interactions with co-workers
• Works with other members of the healthcare team to provide appropriate and timely care for the patients

Work Schedule

Alternating Monday - Friday 2:00 P.M - 12:30 A.M (10 Hour Shifts Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available

Virtual

This is not a virtual position