Registered Respiratory Therapist Pulmonary

Veterans Health Administration • Long Beach, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) / Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) provides diagnostic evaluation, assessment, and patient care services to inpatients and outpatients in the Long Beach VA Health Care System. The work includes patient instruction, pulmonary function testing, equipment and computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. The position also provides clinical consultation and supports the safe, effective operation and continuous improvement of the pulmonary function testing (PFT) laboratory.

The role requires advanced pulmonary function testing knowledge and the ability to assess patients, identify complications, recommend or initiate appropriate interventions, and communicate findings to physicians and other members of the healthcare team. The incumbent helps maintain equipment and supplies, documentation, quality controls, staff training, and lab records, and may provide additional services as determined by the department and supervisor.

The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. The full performance level and grade for the vacancy is GS-12.

Requirements

• Successfully complete a respiratory care program accredited by CoARC or its successor.
• Possess and maintain a full, current, unrestricted state license to practice as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
• Possess and maintain a valid, current, unrestricted Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• Hold an active license and RRT credential.
• Hold a CPFT or RPFT certification.
• Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrate knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing, including cardiopulmonary stress, exercise, metabolic, bronchoprovocation, and shunt testing.
• Demonstrate the ability to establish a quality control program related to a pulmonary function lab.
• Demonstrate skill in analyzing physiologic specimens and information from basic diagnostic procedures.
• Demonstrate skill in assessing signs and symptoms of adverse reactions to medications or testing procedures and determining appropriate interventions.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide training and clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures.
• Be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• Complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding requirements, including a drug test for selected applicants in testing-designated positions, a background/security investigation, and a pre-employment physical examination.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• For federal employment qualification, education must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and obtained from an accredited institution; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with transcripts.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic pulmonary function evaluations, including pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, lung volume determinations, diffusing capacity, slow vital capacity, maximum voluntary ventilation, airway resistance and conductance measurements, and arterial blood gas interpretation.
• Instruct patients, conduct testing, set up and interface equipment and computers, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide preliminary interpretation.
• Monitor and evaluate patient performance during procedures, evaluate responses to pulmonary function testing, and recommend changes based on information obtained.
• Provide clear, concise instructions and coach patients to achieve the best reproducible results.
• Plan, provide, and maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and families.
• Provide consult services at the request of nursing staff or physicians and make recommendations to physicians based on patient assessment and evaluation.
• Maintain knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology, and oxygen administration.
• Recognize changes in patients’ conditions, respond appropriately, and communicate changes to other healthcare team members.
• Ensure equipment and supplies are available for use and participate in evaluation of new equipment and services.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and monitor compliance within the PFT clinic area.
• Resolve technical work problems using references such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other sources.
• Provide accurate, legible, and complete documentation of care delivered and patient response to therapy.
• Act as liaison to providers regarding testing performed, equipment, supplies, and requests for special services.
• Recommend changes to improve PFT Lab services and patient care.
• Assist with completion of department paperwork.
• Assist in planning and implementing educational programs for in-services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab.
• Provide additional non-traditional services as determined by LBHCS and department needs per supervisor.
• Perform complex pulmonary function testing, including cardiopulmonary stress, exercise, metabolic, bronchoprovocation, and shunt testing.
• Conduct quality control reviews of tests and pulmonary diagnostic equipment, maintain lab records, and train and assess staff competency in simple spirometry.
• Monitor patients during testing, recognize and initiate interventions for complications, perform an initial quality review of test results, prepare results for physician interpretation, and determine whether patients meet criteria for termination of testing.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Selected applicants may qualify for annual leave accrual credit based on prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed