The primary responsibilities and functions performed by the Registered Respiratory Therapist in the Minneapolis VAHCS encompass diagnostic evaluation, assessment, and provision of patient care services to both inpatients and outpatients. This includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. 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: All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above and all basic qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment. GS-12, Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary): 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: a. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. b. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. c. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. d. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. e. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. f. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. g. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Preferred Experience: Knowledge of ATS (American Thoracic Society) national guidelines for pulmonary function testing, which include criteria for equipment accuracy and testing which can be used as a reference. ACLS/BLS certified. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11. REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST, GS-0601 Veterans Health Administration. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting/carrying 45 pounds; use of fingers; use of both hands required; standing; both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; hearing without aid; working closely with others. ["The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: The incumbent must develop skills through literature review of pulmonary medicine which include recognizing reproducibility of maneuvers and preliminary interpretation of diagnostic information. Contributes ideas, plans and information to improve outpatient respiratory services. Administers routine and special pulmonary function testing. Adheres to established standards of practice and exercises sound clinical judgment. Performs diagnostic evaluation including; Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing CapacityDetermination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance and Conductance, arterial blood gas interpretation - 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. Provides patient with clear, concise instructions and coach the patient to achieve the best, reproducible results. Provides consult service at the request of nursing staff or physician. Provides recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of patient. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur. Participates in Continuous Improvement initiatives, monitors compliance within the PFT clinic area. Resolves technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources. Assists in planning and implementing effective educational programs for inservices, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab. Work Schedule: Days.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Description/PD#: Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary) /PD000000\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]