Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

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

GS - 12: Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary) GS-12: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: responsible for the following under general guidance in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data.

They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means. Assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation.

Provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. GS-12 Credentials: Possess a valid, current, unrestricted credential of Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for GS-12: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing.

Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures.

Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. 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.

05Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs).

The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the full performance level assignment at the GS-12 level. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served. Duties include, but not limited to: Reviews, collects, and evaluates relevant clinical data.

Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment. Communicates orally and in writing, changes, adjustments, and recommendations with other healthcare team members. Provides effective education and training to patients, students, and co-workers as appropriate, Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients.

Examples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration etc, Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines. Rotates through clinics such as Home Oxygen, Pulmonary Clinic, CVT, etc., and is knowledgeable in all home oxygen processes.

Performs diagnostic evaluations such as Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance and Conductance - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation.

Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities. Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment. Provides quality control oversight to the personnel performing spirometry in the CBOCs and other locations.

May serve as therapist-in-charge when assigned and/or in the absence of the Chief of Respiratory Care. Promotes a customer-centered environment, taking personal responsibility for problem solving and effective courteous communication with patients, their families, medical staff, students, and co-workers. Provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cultural, cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient.

A Respiratory Therapist will demonstrate the ability to utilize computer-based technologies, software, and programs, Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 31082-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized