The Respiratory Therapist is under the technical and administrative supervision of the Respiratory Care Services Supervisor, the Medical Direction of the Chief of Acute and Sub-Specialty Care, and the administrative supervision of the Chief of Acute and Sub-Specialty Care Services. The employee uses judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines such as agency policies, regulations, precedents, and work directions for application to specific cases or problems.
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. 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-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 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. 5 (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. 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). 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: GS-13 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: 1. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. It is highly desirable that the candidate possess certification in one or more functional specialties. 2. 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 supervise employees. Ability to assist in establishing a completely integrated program. Skill in recommending improvements to operations, including new and emerging procedures based on evaluation of data. Ability to forecast resource needs and to manage fiscal matters. Skill in problem solving including conflict resolution. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying levels of background. Knowledge of complex and non-standard examinations, treatments, procedures and techniques. 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-13. Physical Requirements: 1. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen cylinder or wheeled computer equipment. VHA practice and training incorporate a limit of 35 pounds for routine patient care repositioning and lifting tasks. 2. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate procedures.
The major functions of a Registered Respiratory Therapist include but are not limited to the following and require that the employee, with or without reasonable accommodations, be able to: 1. Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. 2. Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing, and diaphragm stimulation) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results. 3. Compare and evaluate the indications and contraindications for sleep studies. 4. Explain results concerning types of respiratory sleep disorders. 5. Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. 6. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. 7. Explain the meaning of general statistical tests. 8. Apply evidence-based medicine to clinical practice.9. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Registered Respiratory Therapist Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized