The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System is seeking for a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The position is assigned to the Respiratory Care department under the direction of the Chief of Respiratory Care Services. The RRT will be responsible for providing all modalities of direct patient respiratory care as outlined in the Respiratory Therapy Policy and Procedure Manual and performing job duties in accordance with mission, vision & values of the West Palm Beach VA.
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. 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. Please check that your program is verified on the CoARC website as this will be verified. Transcripts are required to be submitted. 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. RT positions 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 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. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. (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. (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. 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Respiratory Therapist, (RT) GS-05 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential. Registered Respiratory Therapist, (RRT) GS-07 Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, (RRT) GS-09 Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have one of the following: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level) Experience, 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. 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 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 in the range of GS-5 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moving equipment and supplies, lifting, bending, stooping, and possible exposure to body fluid is involved. Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over. Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over, Pushing, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers/ Both hands required, Walking/ Standing /Kneeling, - Repeated bending, Climbing, legs only Both legs required, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Both eyes required, Ability to distinguish basic colors, and Hearing without aid.
The Registered Respiratory Therapist is expected to display proficiency and perform at a level of excellence in all Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Services. The RRT expected to practice professionally, must be reliable, able to work independently and be self-motivated. The protocol and procedures are established for the treatment, management, evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. 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. The duties of the Registered Respiratory Therapist include, but are not limited to the following: Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post care of bronchoscopic procedures. Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices. Perform arterial and venous sampling for blood analysis. Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans. Apply evidence-based medicine to clinical practice. Explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. Perform endotracheal intubation. Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. Inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. Evaluate patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles. Measure and document oxygen saturation with oximetry under all appropriate conditions (with or without oxygen at rest and during sleep, ambulation, and exercise). Knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care Expands department activities wherever necessary to improve patient care. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, starting at 7:00pm (Night shift with rotating weekends - May be required to be on rotating tours, depending on department's need) Compressed/Flexible:10 or 12 hour shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 41709F