at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Hines, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is organizationally aligned to the Respiratory Care Unit, Medicine Service, at theEdward Hines Jr. VA Hospital – a Level 1a Complexity VHA Facility. The primary purpose ofthis position is to provide basic and advanced Respiratory services to adult and geriatric patients;however, the therapist must be knowledgeable regarding the basic treatment of all age groups.Plans, implements, and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures. Responsibilities Assigned to serve as Night Shift Lead Therapist and is administratively responsible for the quality assurance activities, coordination of all educational and competency training as well as the day today operation of the assigned shift. Will also oversee staff development and learning including competency training. The following is a summary of the major essential functions of this job. The Incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned, both major and minor not mentioned below; periodically specific functions may change. The Therapist will have a great deal of independence in the performance of their duties. The therapist will be the charge person in the absence of the Chief or Assistant Chief and will have full responsibility to modify the workload to accomplish the assigned duties. Collects, review, and evaluate relevant clinical data from the medical records, care team, patient, and patient’s family to ensure appropriate care when indicated. The therapist will be capable of performing both basic and complex therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Example: monitoring patients receiving mechanical ventilation, performing Mini BAL, using techniques that include interpretation of clinical data, describing and interpreting arterial blood gas values and acid base balance. Applies clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist the provider in formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, etc. Communicates changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status to other health care team members as appropriate. Additionally, the incumbent will make recommendations to providers regarding changes in treatment based upon patient observation and diagnostic test values. Provides effective and relevant education to the patient, family, students, and facility staff when appropriate. Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic procedures. Performs both emergency and acute Respiratory Care procedures in accordance with departmental guidelines and industry standards. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital organizational performance improvement. The Therapist will comply with all medical center policies and procedures regarding safety practices. The Therapist will demonstrate working knowledge of the appropriate safety protocols. Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and perform quality controls on respiratory care equipment. Participates in in-service education pertaining to respiratory therapy, maintaining a close relationship with other disciplines and students who may rotate through the health care facility. Will have the capability to assign duties and responsibilities to staff. The Therapist will provide coverage in those areas that require continuous respiratory presence when the assigned staff are on breaks or lunch or attending to other customers. The Therapist will assist in monitoring supplies within the department and orders supplies as needed. The Therapist will utilize VA systems to request repair and replacement of equipment through Information technology and Biomedical departments to ensure proper and timely replacement of supplies and/or repair of broken equipment and devices. Staff Lead Responsibilities will have a great deal of independence in the performance of their duties and have full responsibility to modify the workload to accomplish the assigned duties. The Therapist assigns work by defining objectives, priorities and deadlines as well as provide guidance on the therapy assignments that do not have clear precedents. Evaluate completed work for appropriateness and effectiveness in meeting goals. Available for unusual situations that do not have clear precedents or established policies. Assists staff in determining treatment options for complex patients. Work Schedule: 19:30 – 07:30 (Night Shift) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS21-0027 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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 Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications 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: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. RRTs at this grade level in this assignment have experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment across many areas of respiratory care both inpatient and outpatient ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. ii. Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. iii. Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve
