The incumbent works in the Specialty Care Section, Medical Service, and New Mexico VA Health Care System. Responsible for providing direct, safe, appropriate and effective sleep testing and care to patients in accordance with patient needs, current standards of sleep medicine practice, physician's orders and organizational policies under the direction and supervision of a physician.
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. 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). 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: GS-12 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification. Candidates must hold a Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment. Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters. Skill in scoring data both during and post diagnostic testing. Skill in analyzing data both during and post diagnostic testing. Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing. Skill in the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation and adverse responses. Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: In the role of respiratory therapist, the work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and moving moderately heavy equipment or assisting patients. The work requires the employee to demonstrate agility and dexterity.
Duties, include, but are not limited to: Demonstrated knowledge and ability needed to perform complex respiratory procedures with minimal supervision. Able to participate with physicians and nurses and other staff in planning respiratory treatment, with great reliance on the individual's knowledge of the equipment. Monitors and evaluates patient performance during sleep procedures and evaluates' response to therapy and recommends changes based on information obtained. Correctly applies established protocols for consistent, accurate and reliable scored sleep study results. Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families. Collects, evaluates and accurately records patient's relevant clinical history or mode of treatment according to policy and procedure. Provides informative tech notes throughout the study, and documents all required information per policy and procedure. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately. Recommends alternative patient therapies when appropriate. Completes assigned and delegated responsibilities within established time frames. Demonstrates ability to plan and prioritize assigned workload to assure completion. Demonstrates and promotes positive image through professional conduct, appearance and communication. Participates in orientation and training of new employees, students and other members of the healthcare team and serves as a mentor to lower grade technicians. Participates in performance improvement and research activities. Works with other members of the healthcare team to provide appropriate and timely care for patients. Communicates with patients, family members and other healthcare providers in a clear manner. Provides appropriate and timely follow up when concerns or issues are raised through chain of command. Demonstrates the ability to interpret and integrate information in terms of the patient needs based on age and developmental level. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 08:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized