Thank you for your interest in joining the Respiratory Therapy Section at the VISN 1 VA Connecticut Healthcare System. The Respiratory Therapy subsection is responsible for providing the full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care.
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. 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). 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-0601series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. Grandfathering provision: 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). in addition to the basic requirements above you must meet the grade determining experience and KSA's below. Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist ( Pulmonology) : GS-11 Experience, Licensure and Credential and all KSA's. Candidates must have: Experience: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: Experience with Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) and experience in CPAP preferred. Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11. dated March 12, 2021. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level GS-11 . Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, in-patient and outpatient. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting, bending, stooping and possible exposure to body fluid is involved. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following : Conduct spirometry tests to measure lung function and capacity Administer gas diffusion tests to assess gas exchange efficiency Perform body plethysmography to determine lung volume Calibrate and maintain pulmonary function testing equipment Prepare and instruct patients on test procedures Record and interpret test results accurately Ensure patient safety and comfort during tests Maintain patient records and ensure data is properly documented in the healthcare system Collaborate with healthcare providers to convey test results Stay updated with the latest pulmonary testing techniques and technologies Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) credential is desirable Work independently providing respiratory care in an outpatient setting. Use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. Consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. Determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen. Use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. Serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. Lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Work Schedule: 8:00 - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 689- F02865 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized