Summary

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) at the full performance level are responsible for independently administering treatment to ambulatory - non-ambulatory and critically ill patients in the Inpatient and Outpatient setting. Registered Respiratory Therapists use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. Registered Respiratory Therapists consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care.

Qualifications

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:

• 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
• Please select the response below - that represents how you meet the education requirement
• 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.Exception
• Respiratory Therapists - who are certified and working towards obtaining their "registration" credential - will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT
• These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below
• (a) VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential
• Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor - acquired the CRT credential - are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT
• The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment
• (b) RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received
• RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT
• Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment
• (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT
• (d) Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment
• (e) Failure to Obtain Credential
• (e) In all cases - RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment
• Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment
• 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: GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist: Experience or Education - Licensure and Credential: Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level
• Hold an active license and RRT credential In addition to the requirements above - candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes
• Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities
• Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management
• References: VA Handbook 5005/141 - Part II - Appendix G11 dated March 12 - 2021.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11
• Preferred Experience: 3 years Critical Care ICU experience - ACCS Credential preferred - ability to intubate and start arterial lines
• Ability to work independently
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to Moderately Lift and Carry 15-44 lbs.
• reach above shoulders
• to use fingers - both eyes - have depth perception
• distinguish different shades of color
• ability to hear (hearing aids permitted)
• Ability to access all patient care areas as required
• The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time
• frequent bending - reaching - stooping - and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus
• lifting and repositioning patients
• and pushing or pulling heavy objects such oxygen tanks and/or ventilator therapy procedures
• The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures.

Duties

• Major duties include but are not limited to: Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary care team in assessing - planning - implementing - and evaluating comprehensive patient respiratory care services
• Demonstrates independence in the specialty of Respiratory Care and practices respiratory therapy according to guides set forth by professional standards by the AARC or NBRC
• Performs respiratory care utilizing evidence-based practices and references national guidelines
• Precepts and mentors' new hires and students for clinical development when needed within VHA
• Maintains and monitors ventilator patients as required per guidelines and make the necessary adjustments based on blood gas analysis with physician's approval
• Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators - end tidal CO2 monitors - oxygen delivery devices - re-breathers - HFNC - IPV - and pulse oximetry monitors
• Evaluates for fluid overload - recommends treatment modality via evidence based practices and takes physician verbal orders and transcribe appropriately
• Administers a variety of therapeutic respiratory medications in a timely and safe manner according to physicians orders
• recommendations of drug conversions - and institutes national protocols when necessary
• Responsible for Diagnostic Testing such as bedside Spirometry - EKGs - Pulse Oximetry
• Assist Pulmonologist in Therapeutic Bronchoscopy procedures - Arterial Blood Gas sampling - and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists and nursing personnel relative to the types of treatments given - various types of medications used - and the set up of respiratory cleaning and safety precautions
• Registered Respiratory Therapist must have the knowledge of Cardiopulmonary diseases such as Asthma - COPD - Chronic Bronchitis - Emphysema - Lung Cancer - Cystic Fibrosis/Bronchiectasis - Pneumonia - and Pleural Effusion
• Registered Respiratory Therapist must have knowledge of patient assessment and education methods
• This includes the operation - basic maintenance - and troubleshooting of medical equipment
• Registered Respiratory Therapist must know how to work and function in the Medical Center in a safe manner including Infection Control
• Work Schedule: Various Schedule
• TBD Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 05710F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required