Registered Respiratory Therapist

Full Job Description

Registered Respiratory Therapists at this grade level work independently, providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings.

Basic Requirements: United States 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.

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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

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, you must meet the following grade requirements. GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist.

You must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.

Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 Part II Appendix G11.

Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0601. 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. Major Duties:

Major Duties and Responsibilities to include but are not limited to: Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results.

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.

Compare and evaluate the indications and contraindications for sleep studies. Explain results in relation to types of respiratory sleep disorders.

Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post care of bronchoscopic procedures.

Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices.

Perform arterial and venous sampling for blood analysis.

Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines.

Complete the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members.

Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. Review and interpret lung volumes and diffusion studies.

Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. Measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate).

Perform as a member of the rapid response team (medical emergency team). Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills in airway management in all patient settings.

Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols.

Work Schedule: Compressed Work Schedule Day Shift (0800-2000) Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized