Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

Full Job Description

This Registered Respiratory Therapist specializes in Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to evaluate and treat patients with respiratory disorders.

This RRT is responsible for the administration, coordination, and documentation of all PFT-related activities and works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality patient care.

The employee must also maintain a working knowledge of TJC and American Thoracic society standards.

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: 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-12 Experience, Licensure and Credential.

Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential.

Certification. Incumbent must hold a Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or a Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing.

Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures.

Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures.

Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures.

Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11, dated April 15, 2002 and Appendix G27, Appendix J, dated March 17, 2006.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift to assist patients with transfers or ambulation.

The position requires several miles of walking per day within the health center and at times may require climbing several flights of stairs.

There may also be sedentary work where the therapist will be sitting for several continuous hours. Major Duties:

Duties: Responsible for all testing performed in the Pulmonary Function Laboratory.

Perform specific testing, including spirometry, lung mechanics studies using body plethysmography, and preoperative pulmonary function screenings. Ensure medication is ordered from the pharmacy.

Complete appropriate permits for procedures. Perform all ordered spirometry, ensuring data accuracy for physician's final interpretation. Administer aerosolized bronchodilators for testing purposes.

Conduct carbon monoxide diffusing capacity tests using the single breath method.

Ensure arterial blood gases (ABG) are obtained and accurately interpret ABG data; report out-of-range results to the appropriate physician.

Perform quality control on all equipment following manufacturer guidelines prior to testing. Maintain inventory and report needed supplies to ensure laboratory readiness.

Conduct complex pulmonary function tests, including exercise testing, metabolic testing, and bronchoprovocation testing. Perform initial and daily quality review and calibration of testing equipment.

Establish and maintain a quality assurance program related to the lab. Review, collect, and evaluate relevant clinical data.

Monitor patients, recognize when assistance is needed, and initiate interventions for complications. Communicate changes and recommendations effectively with the healthcare team.

Perform emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures, including airway management, bronchodilator nebulization, supplemental oxygen, ventilation, and CPR.

Provide training and competency assessments for staff. Offer education and training to patients, family members, students, and coworkers to obtain optimal test results.

Perform other duties as assigned and work overtime/on-call as required (inpatient).

Incumbent works independently and is under limited clinical and administrative and general supervision of the Chief of Respiratory Care. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

work schedule, but work schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the service. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required