The Registered Respiratory Therapist for the Pulmonary Section serves primarily in the outpatient pulmonary services including the pulmonary function testing laboratory and bronchoscopy suite within the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center. The RRT performs diagnostic tests on patients, operate, calibrate, clean, and maintain diagnostic equipment and assists with inpatient and outpatient advanced bronchoscopy and navigational diagnostic procedures, sample collection, and cleaning of equipment.
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: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: 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. RRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, of VA Handbook 5005. Education (Submit documentation): Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure (Submit Documentation). 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 (Submit Documentation). 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). 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. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.Experience, Licensure and Credential: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 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. While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position. Please ensure your resume/CV/application contains sufficient information to support the level of experience/education/training; otherwise, we will not be able to award you credit for the experience/education/training you claim. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities Performs a variety of activities regarding Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) in the pulmonary laboratory. This includes the operation, calibration, and maintenance of commonly used instruments such as computerized pulmonary function testing equipment, and oximeters. Operates exercise equipment (treadmill, bicycle ergometer). Performs and calculates diffusing capacity by steady state and single breath methods. Performs studies of lung mechanics, which include the use of a body plethysmograph, sensitive pressure and flow recorders and multichannel electronic recorders for precise measurement of airway obstruction, thoracic gas volume, compliance, and other parameters. Operates a computerized system for the measurement of lung volumes, air velocity indices, anatomic dead space, nitrogen washout curve, single breath nitrogen study for determination of closing volume. The RRT checks off the status of the control point and keeps a constant check on the current balance. Performs bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor for complications of this testing and initiate interventions prior to notifying the supervising Pulmonary Physician. Due to the complexity of the physiologic studies, the RRT must become involved in all phases of the work so that he/she can not only perform the studies but also have a clear understanding of their significance to enable him/her to interpret and apply findings to the overall picture. Perform existing procedures and to adapt to newer techniques, with minimal supervision. The RRT must be able to perform calibration maintenance and minor repairs, accurately calculate and tabulate the results and maintain laboratory records and files. Be proficient in all the steps involved in advanced bronchoscopy procedures. The RRT is responsible to assist clinicians in the execution of these procedures, by ensuring that adequate supplies are available, preparing the instruments, set-up and coordinate with SPD for equipment sterilization and assisting in the technical parts of the procedure such as sample processing (specimens and slides are prepared by the incumbent). Work closely with the scheduler to maintain an adequate flow of patients. This includes reporting no-shows and overbooks. Work Schedule: 8am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday Functional Statement #: 30835F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Not authorized