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[1]pulmonary needs of the patients served.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointments as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure. People 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. People 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. (1) 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 people 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. Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential. 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide written notices to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder. Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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). GRADE REQUIREMENTS. All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above in paragraph 4 a-g and all basic qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment. All positions must be designated in one of the approved titles or parenthetical title, as described below and duties must meet the definition of the assignment: GRADE DETERMINATIONS. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 3 above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential as well as a CPFT or RPFT credential.. The following certifications are desirable but not required: RPSGT. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing. ii. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. iii. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing. iv. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. v. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position are designated for complexity level 3 facilities only. In addition to the assignments of the full performance level position, incumbents are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment along with a combination of the duties from the following assignments below as Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary), Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary/ Polysomnography) under paragraphs(6)(a)-(c) and (7). This assignment is not appropriate and cannot be used in facilities designated at complexity level 1 and 2 (see assignments below beginning in paragraphs (6)(a)-(c) and (7) for facilities designated as complexity level 1 and 2).
Area I: Pulmonary Functions 1. Performs basic spirometry, pre/post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, plethysmography, MIPs/MEPS, and other diagnostic procedures in the lab or at bedside, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. 2. Compare's and evaluates indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests and possess the ability to recognize both normal and abnormal results. 3. Calculations, notes, and reports all pulmonary function test results for physician interpretation. 4. Performs quality controls, specimen analysis, daily maintenance and troubleshooting for all pulmonary function testing equipment. Area II: Home Oxygen, Non-Invasive, and Invasive Ventilation 1. Evaluates the indications and contraindication for home oxygen. 2. Explains to patient the importance of following prescribed flow rates. 3. Performs arterial sampling for blood analysis. 4. Completes assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate. 5. Obtains social, behavioral, and occupational history and other historical information that is relevant for the prescription of home oxygen. 6. Reviews and interprets arterial blood gases and related laboratory tests. 7. Conducts, reviews, and interprets six-minute walk tests and pulse oximetry. 8. Evaluates the need and use for PAP devices, non-invasive ventilation devices with appropriate mask interfaces, and invasive ventilation devices via tracheostomy. 9. Coordinates with approved vendor for oxygen equipment needs and non-invasive/invasive ventilation equipment needs. 10. Ensures vendor assesses the home environment and identifies risk factors. Area III: Home Sleep Testing 1. Programs home sleep testing equipment with patient's demographic data. 2. Instructs/assists patient with completing Epworth Sleepiness Scale. 3. Measures patient's neck with disposable tape measure and obtains patient's weight. 4. Informs patient that testing equipment must be returned within 2 days of receiving and have patient sign VA Government Property Loan Form. 5. Reviews with patient a video for use of home sleep testing equipment and answers questions. 6. Asks patient to perform a return demonstration for use of equipment. 7. Informs patient of date and place to return equipment. 8. Completes note in EMR and attaches CPAP clinic for acknowledgement. 9. Scans and emails copy of Epworth Sleepiness Scale to CPAP clinic. Area IV: Support Functions 1. Fully completes all consults in a timely manner. 2. Assists MSAs s appropriate for patient scheduling. 3. Contacts patients as necessary to facilitate scheduling of appointments. 4. Assists with the orientation of new employees for this role. 5. Complies and reports quality data for areas of responsibility as appropriate. 6. Maintains proper stocking of supplies for all assignment areas. Area V: Leadership 1. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization 2. Skill in communicating data, policies, and regulations 3. Ability to develop resource material 4. Ability to establish a completely integrated program that emulates "best practice" and follows national policies. 5. Develops and regularly reviews policies and procedures; ensures that this program remains in compliance with existing VA policy and regulations and JCAHO standards. 6. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of all the program activities through standard and innovative techniques. 7. Maintains statistical and patient data. Monitors individual performance standards and completes retrospective audits. 8. Serves as liaison between the department and its clinical consumers (i.e., nursing service, administration and other support services). 9. Formulates evaluation of equipment needs, preventive maintenance and organization of expendable and non-expendable equipment and supplies related to the program. 10. Manages all clinical aspects of the program 11. Advise leadership on policy implications, key issues, relationships to both internal and external interest groups and recommended course of action. 12. Maintain interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals. 13. Coordinates and negotiates resolutions to complex problems and reports progress and resolution of problems in achieving goals and objectives to higher levels of management. Area VII: Emergency Care 1. Performs basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support according to AHA guidelines. 2. Maintain knowledge and skills necessary to retain certification as per associated guidelines as stated above. 3. Performs endotracheal intubation. 4. Performs as a member of the rapid response team (medical emergency team). Area VIII: Health Policy 1. Adhere to regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, Hazmat, Joint Commission). Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600