Registered Respiratory Therapist

<p>The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care - Sleep Medicine at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center. Incumbent in this position is responsible for supporting the daily clinical operation of Sleep Center at the CMCVAMC and its Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and helping to maintain Sleep Center operations at an optimal level of performance.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) duties include, but are not limited to, the following: A. Sleep CPAP Clinic: 1. Staff and provide technical support of outpatient sleep clinic sessions. Staff outpatient CPAP follow-up clinic sessions, serve as a liaison between the patient and the sleep specialist, and document the services provided in the patient's electronic medical records. The incumbent will also perform mask fittings, adjust PAP settings, and distribute CPAP supplies to patients as prescribed. The incumbent will download and evaluate adherence data from PAP machines and order necessary PAP machines and supplies through the Prosthetics Department. During patient visits, inspect PAP machines for proper upkeep and function, and troubleshoot any PAP-related issues, particularly those concerning the mask interface. Alert the care provider to any patterns of non-adherence observed in patients. Obtain and document pulse oximetry and vital signs during sleep disorders clinic visits when requested by the care providers and perform emergency CPAP set-ups when necessary. Coordinate home set-up of CPAP treatment and home oxygen therapy for Sleep Center patients by communicating with the contracted vendor and the VA Long Term Oxygen Therapy Program. 2. Ambulatory Diagnostic Testing, Overnight Pulse Oximetry, Unattended Home Sleep Apnea Tests: Incumbent is responsible for distributing, retrieving, and downloading portable monitors. They will also distribute questionnaires (either electronic or paper), download and retrieve the responses, and relay the questionnaire date to care providers. Document all services provided in the patient's electronic medical record and score portable monitor recordings. Implement policies and procedures for maintaining portable equipment and supplies, including cleaning and maintaining the equipment between tests and ensuring the integrity of the sensors. Maintain an adequate supply of disposable items and sensors. Assists in the performance of the quality assurance (QA) program for out-of-laboratory testing, which includes tracking the number of studies conducted, the number of failed studies, reasons for failures, maintenance and usage records of individual units, and appointment wait times. Monitor the location of the recording units and follow established policies and procedures when patients fail to return a unit in a timely manner.3. Ability to Operate and Maintain Medical Records and Associated Systems. On a daily basis, the incumbent will accurately record pertinent patient and equipment information before and during sleep studies, write concise and comprehensive impressions of the studies each day, and ensure that sleep studies are appropriately archived all while maintaining confidentiality for all patient reports. 4. Participate in new technology/equipment development/evaluation. Maintain laboratory equipment according to schedules. Identify name, location, and function of emergency supplies. Maintain emergency supplies inventory. 5. Educate patients and medical staff. Provide patient education regarding CPAP treatment and sleep hygiene by distributing brochures and other relevant educational materials to patients about commonly encountered problems such as sleep apnea, obesity, driving safety, sleep hygiene, psychophysiological insomnia, narcolepsy, and more. The incumbent will also set up patient education videos and reinforce the educational information provided, answering any patient questions and referring them to the care provider as needed. Additionally, assist in the training and education of medical staff regarding these topics. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am -4:00 pm Telework: Available</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 identification 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/.