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.

02Education

Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.

03Licensure

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.

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).

04Grade Determinations

Applicants 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 the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.

05Preferred Experience

Performance of therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care, basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation, assessing oxygenation and ventilation ability to collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professional. 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-11.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11 Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 40 lbs, light carrying under 20 lbs, ability to reposition patients with assistance, use of fingers and both hands required, walking 2 hours, standing 2 hours, both eyes required for depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of color, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, near and far vision of 20/40 or better (corrective lenses permitted).

Duties of the position include but are not limited to: Performs and Evaluates the efficacy of therapeutic modalities of respiratory care Medication delivery related to respiratory care (nebulized treatments) Initiation and monitoring of oxygen therapy per physician parameters Assists with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (places nasal and oropharyngeal airways) Suctions artificial airways (both temporary and permanent) Performs and evaluates aerosol humidification therapy Participation in care team rounds or huddles Analysis of specimens/testing including, but not limited to, arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal CO2, basic spirometry Collaboration with medical staff members for complex respiratory care cases to aid in positive patient outcomes (recommend intervention and plan of care implementation including, but not limited to, protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems, and advanced modes of ventilation) Skillfully assesses oxygenation and ventilation Performs advanced airway management including, but not limited to, artificial airways and mechanical ventilation (in-line suctioning, re-positioning and securing Endo Tracheal tube, bag valve mask ventilation, ventilator assessment) Serves as a preceptor to RT and RRT at developmental grades May perform limited invasive procedures to be determined by facility complexity and need Work Schedule: Variable to include nights, weekend and holidays Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required