Registered Respiratory Therapists at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. They use data and patient assessment to establish an 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.
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. 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. English Language Proficiency. 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: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11. (a) Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Preferred Experience: Bronchoscopy and Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: a. Considerable walking/standing may be required. b. Frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling may be required when assisting with the transfer of patients or when moving equipment or supplies. c. Frequent, prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required. d. Manual dexterity and mobility are required. e. Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching may be necessary. f. Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required. g. Intermittent exertion is possible. h. Subject to interruptions and stress from multiple calls, patient needs and/or inquiries from others, whether in-person, on the telephone or via computer. i. Sound judgement and ability to function under stress is required. Inappropriate actions/judgment, especially those during emergency or crisis situations, may result in injury or death.
The major job duties for the Registered Respiratory Therapist include but are not limited to: 1. Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. 2. Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. 3. Explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols. 4. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. 5. Complete the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. 6. Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. 7. Perform basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. 8. Assessment of Need for Therapy - Assesses the need for therapies in all patient settings. 9. Medical Gas Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to gas delivery systems in all patient settings. 10. Humidity Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to humidity therapy systems in all patient settings. 11. Aerosol Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to aerosol systems in all patient settings. 12. Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to lung expansion equipment in all patient settings. 13. Airway Management- Apply knowledge, understanding and troubleshooting skills using airway management in all patient settings. 14. Evaluate social support system-recognition of anxiety, depression, signs of abuse and the knowledge of and ability to access community resources. 15. Initiate patient monitoring equipment and understand interpretation of data. Work Schedule: 6:00am- 4:30pm, 4 days per week. Tour of duty to be discussed upon selection. Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91439-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.