Registered Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Department
What you'd do
The Buffalo VA Medical Center is seeking a highly qualified full-time Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to support the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) section within the Sleep Department. The outpatient respiratory therapist will primarily manage positive airway pressure and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), including CPAP, BIPAP, and related interfaces for patients with sleep-disordered breathing and other respiratory conditions.
Major duties
The outpatient respiratory therapist primarily manages positive airway pressure and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bilevel PAP (BIPAP), and related interfaces for patients with sleep-disordered breathing and other respiratory conditions. The incumbent assesses , evaluates, educates, and supports patients in a timely manner to determine appropriate interventions ad develop individualized plans of care. Services are delivered in the outpatient positive airway pressure (PAP) clinic setting and include therapy scheduling, set ups, interface selection, education, compliance check, walk-in support and coordination with sleep medicine and home oxygen services if needed. The duties include, but are not limited to: Review, collect, and evaluate clinical data available in CPRS, vista imaging, JLV and other electronic health record systems relevant to the scope of practice, document findings thoroughly and accurately. Performs comprehensive patient assessments and formulates appropriate respiratory care plans including interface selection, desensitization strategies, pressure adjustments (in collaboration with provider) and troubleshooting. Collaborate closely with sleep medicine providers, fellows, residents, medical students, other respiratory therapists, medical instrument technicians (MIT), medical support assistants (MSA) and the interdisciplinary team to ensure seamless, transparent communication and coordinated patient care. Obtain and prepare PAP download data in a timely manner for sleep clinics and at provider request. Provides education to patients, families and caregivers on the use, cleaning and maintenance and troubleshooting of home respiratory equipment (PAP devices, interfaces, humidifiers etc.). Deliver patient-centered care that is adapted to the cultural, cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation of the adult patient and geriatric patient. Ensure close follow up after set-up (PAP compliance clinic) and provide proactive troubleshooting and support to improve therapy adherence, while maintaining close collaboration with providers. Respond to patient needs and requests PAP walk ins clinics; return phone calls and internal messages in a timely manner. Maintains working knowledge of contract related to home oxygen and how it interfaces with PAP therapy in the home setting and coordinate care for mutual patients with home oxygen program. Verify that respiratory therapy prescriptions entered by providers are accurate, complete, and appropriate. Promotes a customer-centered environment by taking personal responsibility for problem solving and maintaining courteous, effective communication with patients, their families, providers, trainees, and staff. Stay current with evidence-based practices, treatment advances, and guidelines changes adopted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and other relevant professional standards. Performs other related duties as assigned by the PAP clinic supervisor with concurrence of sleep medicine chief. Work Schedule: Full-Time, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 24932-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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 (U.S.) English 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). 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. 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-09: (a) Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11: (a) 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. (b) 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. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
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