Position is organizationally aligned to the Respiratory and Sleep Services at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) North Chicago, IL. A primary function of this position is to perform the daily duties of the pulmonary function testing (PFT) & bronchoscopy clinic. Encompasses diagnostic evaluation, assessment, and patient care for both inpatients/outpatients. Includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup, troubleshooting, & preliminary interpretation. 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: US 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. GS-12 Requirement: Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: a. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. b. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification: Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. - In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 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). Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. ** Preferred: Certification: Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT credential. Physical Requirements: Considerable walking/standing may be required. Frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling may be required when assisting with the transfer of patients or when moving equipment or supplies. Frequent, prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required. Manual dexterity and mobility are required. Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching may be necessary. Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required. Intermittent exertion is possible. ["Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs diagnostic evaluation including; Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance and Conductance, Bronchoprovocation testing, CPET, FeNO and arterial blood gas - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. Monitors and evaluates patient performance during procedures and evaluates response to PFT and recommends changes based on information obtained. Attend the weekly Bronchoscopy planning meeting as directed by the Outpatient Respiratory Supervisor. Coordinate with the supervisor to ensure coverage for bronchoscopies as needed, and assist with both inpatient and outpatient bronchoscopies. Assist providers in safely transporting samples to the laboratory and ensure that samples are properly labeled. Coaches patient to achieve the best, reproducible results by providing clear, concise instructions. Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families. Assists nursing staff and physicians with consultative services at their request. Provides recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of the patient. Maintains knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology and oxygen administration. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes occur. Ensures that equipment and supplies are available for use. Participates in the evaluation of new equipment and services. Participates in Continuous Improvement initiatives, monitors compliance within the PFT clinic area. Resolves technical work problems with references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources. Provides accurate, legible and complete documentation of patient care delivered and therapy response. Provide quality control oversight to personnel performing spirometry in the CBOCs as needed. Acts as liaison to providers for testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special services. Recommends changes to the lab to improve services and patient care. Provide assistance with the completion of departmental paperwork. Assist in planning and implementing effective educational programs for in-services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position"]

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