Registered Respiratory Therapist - (Pulmonary)

<p>The Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary) position is located in the Medicine/Respiratory Care section of the West Palm Beach Healthcare System. Functioning at the GS-11 grade level, this non-exempt, non-supervisory professional manages and evaluates care within the Pulmonary PAP Clinic. The primary focus is treating veterans with respiratory disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea and related cardiopulmonary diseases.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The core responsibility of this role is serving as a clinical liaison between pulmonary medical providers, veterans, and external equipment vendors. The therapist conducts clinical assessments, focused history takes, and physical examinations to evaluate treatment responses and compliance. Central to the position is downloading, tracking, and analyzing remote data from home CPAP and Bi-level devices to resolve compliance issues and educate families. Additionally, the therapist maintains a computerized tracking database of patient demographics, equipment, and annual consultations. Beyond the clinic, the incumbent remains fully proficient in emergency settings, responding as a member of the rapid response team and performing advanced life support, blood gas sampling, and endotracheal intubation. The therapist also ensures equipment is decontaminated, properly maintained, and safe for home use. Primary Duties, but not limited too: Clinical Assessments: Conduct clinical assessments, focused histories, and physical examinations of veterans with respiratory disorders to evaluate response to therapy. Clinic Liaison: Serve as the clinical liaison between clinicians, patients requiring home PAP units, and outside contracted vendors. Compliance Data Monitoring: Set up diagnostic studies, download, and interpret compliance data from remote respiratory and CPAP/Bi-level monitoring software. Compliance Interventions: Apply targeted instructional techniques and education to assist patients experiencing compliance issues with their devices. Provider Collaboration: Review and evaluate indications or contraindications for PAP therapy and notify providers of changes or failures to meet VHA criteria. Database Management: Maintain an accurate computerized database containing demographic data, diagnoses, historical medical data, and active equipment prescriptions. Emergency Response: Perform as an active member of the rapid response team, providing BLS, ACLS, and advanced airway management including endotracheal intubation. Diagnostic Sampling: Draw and analyze arterial or venous blood gas samples on an as-needed basis per provider orders. Equipment Troubleshooting: Assemble, clean, and troubleshoot respiratory equipment, including oxygen delivery, aerosol therapy, and lung expansion devices. Home Safety Education: Educate patients and caregivers on post-acute home safety, including oxygen fire prevention, electrical safety, and equipment infection control. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 41760F Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.