Under the general supervision of the Chief, Pulmonary & Critical Care Section and Chief Respiratory Therapy, Out-Patient Respiratory Supervisor, the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is assigned duties as the Bronchoscopy Technician and responsible for all activities related to the daily functions of managing of all scheduled or unscheduled procedures in the Bronchoscopy Laboratory. 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. 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: To qualify for the GS-11, candidates much have: One year of creditable expereince equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Candidates must also hold an active license and RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to therequirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcareprofessionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans toprovide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Preferred Experience: Candidates should have 3 to 5 years' experience working in bronchoscopy, with 1-2 years working in special procedures such as EBUS, Fluoroscopy, and Robotic bronchoscopy. The candidate should have experience with the operation, troubleshooting, and maintaining of all routine bronchoscopy equipment as well as specialized bronchoscopy equipment to include robotic equipment, cryotherapy, ERBE APC, and ultrasound equipment. The candidate should be experienced in maintaining a sterilized environment as well as the handling of tissue samples for preparation of slides for pathological evaluation, the use and coordination with fluoroscopy, and anesthesia. The candidate should be able to work in a high stress, fast paced environment, be organized, detail oriented, and be able to stand for long periods of time. The candidate should be able to maintain detailed records of the procedures, including patient information, equipment usage, and any complications so that in future assist in compiling and analyzing data related to bronchoscopy procedures for quality improvement and initiatives. The candidate should be able to work in a collaborative environment and be part of a multidisciplinary team, including Nurses, Anesthesiologists, Physicians and Pathologists. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 Part II Appendix G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 50-100 lbs.), Prolonged extensive, or considerable standing/walking, lifts, positions, pushes, and transfers patients. ["Major Duties: Responsible to understand, interpret and comply with Pulmonary & Critical Care Section Out-Patient and VAMC hospital policies, as well as all applicable laws and regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues. Ensures that pulmonary patient encounters are completed and closed out correctly in Vista/CPRS. Maintains all appropriate records and documentation per policy. Maintains patient records per Pulmonary & Critical Care Section Out-Patient and VAMC and confidentiality standards. Responsible to check the accuracy of the CPRS consults and respond per VA policy. Responsible to respond to all phone calls (include voice mail messages) regarding Bronchoscopy laboratory procedures, inquiries and therapy in timely (as scheduled) manner. Responds immediate to all paged calls. Maintains accurate records of controlled medications used and stored in the Bronchoscopy laboratory procedures per Pulmonary & Critical Care Section Out-Patient and VAMC policies. Responsible for Bronchoscopy Laboratory quality assurance monitoring as well as inventory and supply management. Collaborates with management to develop and maintain a productive work environment and positive working relationship by, conducting daily activities, communications and interactions in a cooperative, positive, courteous and professional manner. Consistently maintains complete confidentiality of all medical, financial, employees, computer or other sensitive material, which may jeopardize the privacy of others. Perform other duties as requested or assigned. Bronchoscopy Technician participates in scheduled and/or emergent procedures in the Bronchoscopy Laboratory Suite and or ICU per direction of the pulmonary physicians. Scheduled procedures may include: Bronchoscopies, including navigational and endobronchial ultrasound guided, robotic bronchoscopy, and fluoroscopy. Pulmonary artery catheter procedure Thoracenteses PleurX/chest tube catheter placements Tracheostomy changes Stent placement Coordinate with anesthesia for the above and the recovery of patients Bronchoscopy Technician responsible along with the RN to monitor patient vital signs before, during scheduled procedures. Note: Bronchoscopy Technician will not be responsible to monitor the patients receiving moderate sedation during and post bronchoscopy procedure, this will be performed by a Bronchoscopy Laboratory RN or a nurse assigned from GI department as a share responsibility for pulmonary bronchoscopy coverage. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) assigned duties as the Bronchoscopy Technician will be required to assist the pulmonary physician for all pulmonary artery catheter procedure. Bronchoscopy Technician responsible to monitor, operate all selected respiratory equipment during the scheduled procedures, which may include, specialized assistance with the selected respiratory equipment and instruction for ALS patients. When required, responsible to analyze arterial blood gas results and accurately reports any inappropriate results to physicians. Responsible to participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Assists in or participates in approved research activities involving the Pulmonary & Critical Care Section. Maintains current clinical skill and credentialing through in-service programs, continuing education to include evidence of a certificate as an RRT from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)and a registry number, or certificate from another body which the NBRC recognizes as its credentialing equivalent to perform as a respiratory therapist and professional publications. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0800-1630 Telework: Not eligible for telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.