Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognize normal/abnormal results. The position supports diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions through accurate testing and collaboration with physicians. This role involves performing bronchoprovocation testing, monitoring patients, initiating interventions for complications, and performing quality reviews of test results and equipment. The incumbent will also train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must be selected for a testing designated position and be subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
• Must complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section.
• Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• Successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
• Possess and maintain a full, current, and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.
• Possess and maintain a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating clinical competencies.
• Hold an active license and RRT credential.
• Hold a CPFT or RPFT certification.
• Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing.
• 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.
• Skill 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies.
• Monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing.
• Perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation.
• Determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing.
• Conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment.
• Maintain lab records.
• Train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry.
• Perform diagnostic evaluations including, but not limited to: Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing, Bronchoprovocation Challenge Testing, Arterial Blood Gas interpretation.
• Provide patient with clear, concise instructions and coach the patient to achieve the best, reproducible results.
• Plan, provide, and maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and families.
• Provide consult service at the request of nursing staff or physician.
• Provide recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of patient.
• Maintain knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology and oxygen administration.
• Recognize changes in patients' condition and respond appropriately and communicate with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur.
• Ensure equipment and supplies are available for use.
• Participate in evaluation of new equipment and services.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives, monitor compliance within the PFT clinic area.
• Resolve technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources.
• Provide accurate, legible, and complete documentation of patient care delivered and response to therapy.
• Act as liaison to providers for testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special services.
• Recommend changes in the PFT Lab to improve services and patient care.
• Assist with completion of department paperwork.
• Assist in planning and implementing effective educational programs for in-services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab.
• Provide additional, non-traditional services as determined by the DC VA Medical Center and department needs.
• Maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).
• Demonstrate ability to utilize acceptable proficiency in the use of RME.
• Develop skills through literature review of pulmonary medicine, including recognizing reproducibility of maneuvers and preliminary interpretation of diagnostic information.
• Contribute ideas, plans, and information to improve outpatient respiratory services.
• Administer routine and special pulmonary function testing.
• Adhere to established standards of practice and exercise sound clinical judgment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make a federal career rewarding
• Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate based on years of service
• Credit toward annual leave accrual may be granted based on prior work experience or military service experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree