Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Candidates must possess and maintain a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

You must possess and maintain a valid, current, unrestricted credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). You must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor.

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).

02Grade Determinations

GS-12: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions.

Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies.

03Preferred Experience

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Preferred License Respiratory Care Practitioner from the Respiratory Care Board Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

04Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, in-patient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting, bending, stooping, and possible exposure to body fluid is involved. This position has been evaluated as a Level 1 in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definition of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Level 1 Positions in this category require the performance of tasks that are exposed to blood and potentially infectious body fluid.

The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (Lead RRT) will oversee work of lower graded associates to achieve department and facility goals. He/she will also oversee staff development and learning including competency training. The incumbent must have demonstrated expert knowledge of respiratory therapy methods, equipment, and procedures in regards to the treatment of patients, and proper knowledge of PFT's, Sleep Medicine, Home O2 and Bronchoscopy.

They must have the ability to assume responsibility, plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate programs involving Respiratory Care. The Incumbent is assigned to serve as Lead Therapist and is administratively responsible for the quality assurance activities, coordination of all educational and competency training as well as the day-to day operations. Will provide direct patient care across all clinical functions of the respiratory therapy department.

Using patient assessment and clinical data, the Lead RRT develops appropriate care plans and evaluates whether expected outcomes are met. This role involves ongoing consultation with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care. Major duties include but are not limited to: The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (Lead RRT) provides direct patient care across all clinical functions of the respiratory therapy department.

Using patient assessment and clinical data, the Lead RRT develops appropriate care plans and evaluates whether expected outcomes are met. The role requires ongoing consultation with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care. A core responsibility of the Lead RRT is managing and maintaining patient airways and ventilation through appropriate mechanical and therapeutic methods.

Lead RRT performs complex respiratory care procedures, including implementing respiratory protocols, administering respiratory modalities and medications, and providing supplemental oxygen therapy. Responsibilities include monitoring critical systems, utilizing advanced mechanical ventilation modes,. Based on patient response and clinical assessment, the Lead RRT recommends alternative treatment options when appropriate.

At the advanced performance level, the Lead RRT independently performs therapeutic modalities in inpatient and outpatient settings and demonstrates expert knowledge of respiratory therapy techniques, equipment, and procedures. The role includes knowledge of Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), including spirometry, lung volumes, bronchoscopy, Sleep Medicine and Home O2.

The Lead RRT functions as a lead in pulmonary diagnostics, overseeing the work of lower-graded staff and providing training, competency assessments, and professional development. Duties include coordinating daily operations, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, maintaining laboratory records, and performing equipment quality control.

In addition to pulmonary diagnostics, the Lead RRT serves as a PAP and sleep technician, performing assessments, physiologic monitoring, testing, and management of sleep-related breathing disorders in PAP clinics, sleep clinics, and sleep laboratories. The therapist assists with bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and induced sputum collection, and performs arterial blood gas sampling and analysis.

The Lead RRT maintains comprehensive knowledge of cardiopulmonary diseases such as asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis/bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and pleural effusion, along with strong skills in patient assessment, equipment operation, troubleshooting, infection control, and safety. Work Schedule: 12 hour shifts Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 662-10880F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized