The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join the Medicine and Respiratory Care service. The role is characterized by a high degree of autonomy and technical expertise, as the incumbent will be responsible for a broad scope of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in both acute and post-acute care settings.
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: 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. 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. Licensure. Licensing within the respiratory occupation is outside of the credentialing process. Those who have obtained their degree from an accredited program in respiratory care and hold a CRT or RRT credential may be granted a license from a state. Credential. In the field of respiratory care there are two types of credentials granted in the credentialing process to becoming registered as defined below: CRT. Upon graduation from an accredited program, Respiratory Therapists (RT) are eligible to take a national examination and upon passing, the individual is granted the credential of CRT by the NBRC. RTs who hold a CRT credential are limited in duties and responsibilities and differ from those who hold an RRT credential. RRT. Upon graduation from an accredited program, RTs are eligible to take a national examination and upon passing, the individual is granted the credential of RRT by the NBRC. 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 the basic requirements for employment, 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-11 (Full Performance Level) 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. 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: Submission of Performance Appraisal 1 - 2 years respiratory care experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11. Physical Requirements: See VA HANDBOOK 5005/141
Major Duties: - Performs as a member of the medical emergency/rapid response team, providing airway management and manual/mechanical ventilatory life support. - Executes complex tasks such as endotracheal intubation, arterial and venous sampling, and arterial line placement/management. - Conducts and interprets basic and advanced pulmonary function tests, including plethysmography, diffusion capacity, and metabolic testing. - Identifies indications and hazards while providing clinical monitoring and role-specific support during diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. - Manages monitoring systems and airway devices, making treatment recommendations based on waveform graphics and pulmonary mechanics. - Selects, assembles, and administers medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, and mechanical ventilation while monitoring patient response. - Evaluates the home environment for safety and appropriateness of prescribed therapy, including oxygen safety and electrical hazard identification. - Educates and empowers patients regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases like asthma and COPD. - Serves as a liaison between the respiratory department and other clinical services (nursing, administration) to coordinate facility goals. - Explains and applies evidence-based medicine in the development of hospital-based respiratory care protocols and orientation programs. - Maintains statistical and patient data, completes retrospective audits, and advises leadership on policy implications and equipment needs. - Recognizes and rectifies equipment malfunctions and evaluates the effectiveness of various delivery systems like oxygen concentrators and blenders. - Performs comprehensive assessments through chart reviews and direct contact to obtain medical, surgical, and social histories. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8-12 hrs Rotating tour and weekend Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 41760F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized