The Registered Respiratory Therapist, located on site at Bay Pines Health Care System, displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in all Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Services. The services are performed with the established guidelines. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
Applicants must meet the requirements by the closing date of this announcement 10/09/2025. 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 with application. 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. Valid active licensure is required to be submitted with application. 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. Credential is required to be submitted with application. Exception. There is no exception at this grade level. 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-11 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: Hold an active state RRT license AND RRT credential. AND One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described here. Applicants experience must meet the following and list details on their resume. That experience includes: RRTs at this grade level are responsible for the following under general guidance in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means. RRTs assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation. They provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs on applicant's resume: 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: Advanced Airway management skills 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. Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes Moderate lifting, 15 - 44 pounds; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have to ability to stand for possibly long periods of time. Possible exposure to body fluid is involved. This position has been evaluated as a Level 1 in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definition of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Ability to drive/operate government vehicle.
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) will provide services directly at Bay Pines Healthcare System. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the service. The protocol and procedures are established for the treatment, management, evaluation, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. Duties and responsibilities of the RRT include but are not limited to the following: Inpatient Care - Hospital (Acute Care) Bronchopulmonary drainage and breathing exercises Oxygen Set up and Administration High Flow Oxygen Set Up and Administration Aerosolized Medication Administration MDI administration and education PEP Therapy (Flutter, acapella etc.) Ventilator Management and Set Up Noninvasive ventilator management (Bipap and Cpap) Continuous Positive Airway Management and Set up for OSA Sputum Induction and Sample preparation Advanced Airway Management (intubations and insertion of LMAs) Home Oxygen Evaluation Bronchoscopy Assistance Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Code Blue), Rapid Response Team (RAP) Proficient at performing arterial blood gases sampling, analysis, interpretation, and intervention. Competent in performing arterial line insertion Patient/family education- Telehealth with all services Outpatient Care - Pulmonary Clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's) Performs pulmonary function testing which includes, but not limited to calibration of equipment, various diagnostic tests including Spirometry, Single Breath Diffusion (DLCO), Plethysmography (VTG) Methacholine challenge, 6-minute walk test and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing(CPEX) Bronchoscopy Assistance Home Oxygen Evaluation Evaluate/monitor patient's response to therapy and recommend changes based on information obtained Complete consults/clinical procedures for both outpatient/inpatient staff and patients Recognition of the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk Requires strong computer skill, entering collecting / downloading data of patients results following procedures utilizing approved software packages CPAP and /or BIPAP set-up, administration and set up Independently evaluate sleep related breathing disorders patients, and titrate pressures, download data, review compliance and fit patients with appropriate interface devices to achieve the physicians' therapeutic goals Portable Home Sleep Monitor to include assessment, education, equipment setup and downloading patient data Pulmonary Rehabilitation (breathing exercise, strength training) Telehealth with all services Work Schedule: 6am to 2:30pm, rotating days. Rotating weekends are possible and occasional night shift rotation. Compressed/Flexible: Compressed tour available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized