Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) will be responsible for the following assignments with minimal or no clinical supervision from a RRT at the full performance level in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review and other means as appropriate and share the information with health care team members. They use accepted measuring/monitoring tools for determining plan of care. 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. Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below. (a) VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. (b) RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received. (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT (d) Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential; 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder. Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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). If you are a current VHA/VISN employee, please apply to vacancy announcement number: CBSR-11912394-23-GW Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting/carrying (15-44lbs), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking/standing (up to 6 hours), kneeling, repeated bending, climbing, both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, able to view computer/monitor screens, both eyes required, hearing aides permitted. Environmental factors include silica, asbestos, fumes, smoke or gases, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others and alone, protracted or irregular hours of work. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. ["As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), the incumbent will perform the following duties with little or no supervision: Provide Respiratory Care to critically ill and/or poor risk patients in ICU and step- down units. Administer oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy. Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting effectiveness of therapy. Collects sputum specimens using aerosol administration. Implement adult artificial ventilation upon physician's orders. Maintain and monitor ventilator patients as required and make adjustments based on blood gas analysis with physician's approval. Knowledge and use of difficult intubation equipment (i.e. combitube, LMA and Glidescope). Administer prescribed medications that pertain to the field, note contraindications and/or adverse reactions, notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy as indicated. Perform arterial blood gases analysis from arterial puncture or arterial line. Interpret the results of the analysis, consult with the physician on the results and make recommendations. Perform various measurements including but not limited to vital capacities, and negative inspiratory force. Provide emergency respiratory therapy treatments to critically ill patients. Perform EKGs Setup and administer portable oxygen. Monitor patient reactions to therapy with use of pulse oximetry. Perform pulmonary function tests, including but not limited to spirometry, lung volumes and exercise testing. Assist physician in bronchoscopy procedures including but not limited to therapeutic bronch, endobronchial ultrasound, linear probe and navigational. Stocks designated equipment areas and RT carts. Home PAP education, set-up and usage. Work overtime as required by the needs of the department. Document in the progress notes in CPRS, medication delivery in BCMA and all other areas all pertinent information regarding patient response and tolerance to all forms of therapy and test procedures performed as designated by the Medical Center policies. Responsible for demonstrating and maintaining full competency in the use, pre- cleaning and/or reprocessing of reusable medical equipment. The employee must ensure that the appropriate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and manufacturer's instructions are followed for any step in the use of RME-pre- cleaning, reprocessing, disinfection, sterilization, maintenance in which he/she is involved. Participate in research projects under the direction of the Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy. Perform other duties, applicable to the Respiratory Care department as requested by a Supervisor of the Respiratory Care Department. Work Schedule: Full-time, Sunday - Saturday, 7am to 7:30pm, or 7pm to7:30am (12 hour shifts - 80 hours bi-weekly) Compressed/Flexible: Yes (Authorized) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91211-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Yes (Authorized) Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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