Register Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

Duties

The incumbent must possess all the following knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may be required to perform other duties, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, the needs of the department, and the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served. Essential functions are required to be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time for above full performance ratings
PULMONARY FUNCTIONS:.

• Perform basic spirometry, pre/post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, plethysmography, and MIPs/MEPs in the lab, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results
• Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography and diffusion capacity) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results
• Calculates, notes, and reports all pulmonary function parameters for physician interpretation.
• Performs quality controls, specimen analysis, daily maintenance, and simple troubleshooting for all pulmonary function testing equipment
• Maintains proper stocking of equipment within assignment areas and department
• Demonstrates knowledge of testing procedures utilized in the diagnosis and management of cardiopulmonary disease, including, but not limited to spirometry, lung diffusion capacity, lung volumes, respiratory muscle strength, bronchodilator administration, arterial blood gases (ABG), and pulse oximetry.

• Identifies important information to be obtained prior to performing any diagnostic testing procedure, including patient identification, age, weight, gender assigned at birth, smoking history, race, pulmonary history, and current medications that may affect test or test results.
• Demonstrates ability to perform routine vital sign measurements, including heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, assessment of respiratory pattern and evidence of dyspnea or hypoxemia.
• Identifies indications, contraindications and hazards associated with procedures routinely performed in the outpatient pulmonary function testing lab, including, but not limited to oxygen administration, aerosol administration, spirometry measurements, lung diffusion capacity, lung volumes, respiratory muscle strength testing, pulse oximetry, and ABG puncture.
• Identifies critical information that must be communicated during testing procedures including, but not limited to providing directions at a level appropriate to patient understanding, ensuring patient understands the test purpose and directions, potential hazards or complications that may arise during testing and immediately afterwards

• Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, families, coworkers, and other staff to provide exemplary care and service.
• Collaborates with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team to facilitate patient testing and appointment arrival, as needed.
• Ensures that complications or undesirable responses to treatment or testing are clearly documented with proper notification of the patient's provider.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • Resume
  • Transcript

  • Along with RRT you must have CPFT or RPFT

  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/01/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12280710.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Heather Shipp

  Phone

  (302) 333-6713

  Email

  heather.Shipp@va.gov

  Address

  Wilmington VA Medical Center
  1601 Kirkwood Highway
  Wilmington, DE 19805
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents