Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography)

Full Job Description

The incumbent demonstrates knowledge and ability to successfully perform duties listed within the scope of Respiratory Care - Sleep Medicine at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center.

Incumbent will conduct sleep testing, review results, order therapeutic supplies/equipment, conduct sleep clinics, evaluate treatment effectiveness and make changes per protocol, enter orders, educate patients on equipment use/sleep hygiene, and report complicated issues to the designated provider.

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.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography). i. 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. ii. Certification.

Candidates must hold a RPSGT. iii. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs: a.

Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. b. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment. c.

Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters. d. Skill in scoring data both during and post diagnostic testing. e. Skill in analyzing data both during and post diagnostic testing. f.

Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing. g. Skill in the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation and adverse responses. iv.

Assignment.

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

RRTs at this grade level in this position perform polysomnographic testing and titration studies including activities such as applying electrodes and various monitors to multiple body sites per protocol.

They evaluate the relationship of events, sleep stages and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep.

They anticipate problems likely to occur during the sleep study, prepares for such situations and makes changes in established procedures.

They obtain data measuring wake, sleep and breathing states and records various signals from the brain and airways, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation and position to enable the physician to assess and diagnose sleep and breathing disorders.

RRTs troubleshoot and calibrate polysomnography, computer, oximeters, movement monitors and patient electrodes prior to the onset of each recording.

They analyze and score patient data and summarize on report for physician interpretation.

They monitor and initiate interventions for complications of testing and determines whether patient meets criteria for termination of testing.

They perform electroencephalogram and home sleep testing and evaluate results.

NOTE: Individuals who are hired to perform polysomnography only must be filled under the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography), GS-0649 qualification standard.

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: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. (a) 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.

Preferred Experience: 2 years experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Major Duties:

The incumbent of this position is responsible for the following: Area I: Collection of Diagnostic Information 1. Sleep Testing.

It is essential to compare and evaluate the indications and contraindications for conducting sleep studies. 2. Other Diagnostic Procedures.

Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition using tools such as pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram (ECG), exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices.

Area II: Disease Management 1. Management of Chronic Diseases.

It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnea, along with their comorbidities.

2. Management of Acute Diseases.

Developing, administering, evaluating, and modifying respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines is essential.

Area III: Evidence-Based Medicine 1. Evidence-Based Medicine. The first responsibility is to retrieve credible sources of evidence. 2. Respiratory Care/Sleep Medicine Protocols.

It is important to explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital-based sleep medicine protocols. Area IV: Patient Assessment 1. Patient Assessment.

It is essential to complete a thorough assessment through direct contact with the patient, chart review, and other appropriate means. 2. Diagnostic Data.

Reviewing arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests is fundamental. 3. Physical Examination.

Inspecting the chest and extremities is vital to detect any deformations, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies that could indicate underlying conditions. Area V: Leadership 1.

Knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization is critical.

3. Possessing skills in communicating data, policies, and regulations is also essential. 4.

The ability to develop resource material includes creating educational and training materials that support ongoing professional development and enhanced patient care. 5.

Skill in the development and implementation of appropriate standards of care is vital for maintaining high-quality service delivery, ensuring that care practices meet or exceed current standards and guidelines.

6. Regularly reviewing policies and procedures is necessary for ensuring continuous compliance with existing VA policy and regulations and JCAHO standards. 7.

Expanding department activities wherever necessary to improve patient care means identifying and implementing new initiatives or services that enhance the overall effectiveness of patient treatment and care outcomes.

8.

Disseminating and gathering information through regular staff meetings with department staff regarding the improvement of patient care with emphasis on responsibility and accountability ensures that team members are well-informed, engaged, and held accountable for their roles in patient care.

9.

Being a liaison between the department and its clinical consumers, such as nursing service, administration, and other support services, facilitates smooth communication and collaboration across the healthcare organization.

10.

Maintaining interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals is essential for fostering collaboration, ensuring alignment with broader institutional objectives, and supporting the overall mission of the medical center.

Area VI: Emergency and Critical Care 1. Perform basic life support (BLS) according to American Heart Association guidelines. 2. Performing endotracheal intubation 3.

Being able to perform as a member of the rapid response team (medical emergency team) 4. Participation in mass-casualty staffing 5.

Making treatment recommendations based on data analysis for respiratory management. 6. Collaborating with other professionals in care management 1. Assessment of Need for Therapy. 2.

Assessment Prior to Therapy. 3. Administration of Therapy. 4. Evaluation of Therapy. Area VIII: Applications of Therapeutics to Respiratory Care Practice. 1. Medical Gas Therapy. 2. Humidity Therapy.

3. Aerosol Therapy. 4. Therapy. 5. Airway Clearance Therapy. 6. Airway Management. 7. Mechanical Ventilation. Area IX: Post-Acute Care 1. Patient Assessment 2. Environmental Assessment 3.

Therapeutic 4. Unique Equipment and Monitoring Software 5. Health Policy Work Schedule: 8:00 am -4:30 pm Telework Eligible