Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in all Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Services. The services are performed in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) - American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) - and policies and procedures of C. W. Bill Young Veterans Hospital.

Qualifications

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
• Please check that your program is verified on the CoARC website as this will be verified
• Transcripts are required to be submitted
• 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
• VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are other wise 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 38U.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-07level
• 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
• 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above - the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates
• Respiratory Therapist - GS-05 Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Education and Licensure
• This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor - acquired the CRT credential - licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential
• Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-07 Experience - Education - Licensure and Registration
• In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must possess their RRT credential
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the requirements above - candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care
• Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases - pulse oximetry - End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring - basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures
• Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes
• Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation
• Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation
• Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-09 Experience or Education - Licensure and Credential
• Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level - OR
• A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the requirements above - candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care
• Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes
• Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation
• Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation
• Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-11 Experience - Licensure and Credential
• Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level - AND
• 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: 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
• Preferred Experience: Candidate will hold an active and clear state license and RRT credential
• One year experience as a GS-9 or equivalent
• Reference: 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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11
• Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes Moderate lifting - 15 - 44 pounds
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have to ability to stand for possibly long periods of time
• Possible exposure to body fluid is involved
• This position has been evaluated as a Level 1 in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definition of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens
• Ability to drive/operate government vehicle.

Duties

• The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) will provide services at the Medical Center
• The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the service
• The protocol and procedures are established for the treatment - management - evaluation - and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system
• Duties and responsibilities of the RRT include but are not limited to the following: Inpatient Care - Hospital (Acute Care) Bronchopulmonary drainage and breathing exercises Oxygen Set up and Administration High Flow Oxygen Set Up and Administration Aerosolized Medication Administration MDI administration and education PEP Therapy (Flutter - acapella etc.) Ventilator Management and Set Up Noninvasive ventilator management (Bipap and Cpap) Continuous Positive Airway Management and Set up for OSA Sputum Induction and Sample preparation Advanced Airway Management (intubations and insertion of LMAs) Home Oxygen Evaluation Bronchoscopy Assistance Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Code Blue) - Rapid Response Team (RAP) Proficient at performing arterial blood gases sampling - analysis - interpretation - and intervention
• Competent in performing arterial line insertion Patient/family education- Telehealth with all services Outpatient Care - Pulmonary Clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's) Performs pulmonary function testing which includes - but not limited to calibration of equipment - various diagnostic tests including Spirometry - Single Breath Diffusion (DLCO) - Plethysmography (VTG) Methacholine challenge - 6-minute walk test and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing(CPEX) Bronchoscopy Assistance Home Oxygen Evaluation Evaluate/monitor patient's response to therapy and recommend changes based on information obtained Complete consults/clinical procedures for both outpatient/inpatient staff and patients Recognition of the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk Requires strong computer skill - entering collecting / downloading data of patients results following procedures utilizing approved software packages CPAP and /or BIPAP set-up - administration and set up Independently evaluate sleep related breathing disorders patients - and titrate pressures - download data - review compliance and fit patients with appropriate interface devices to achieve the physicians' therapeutic goals Portable Home Sleep Monitor to include assessment - education - equipment setup and downloading patient data Pulmonary Rehabilitation Telehealth with all services Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 2:00pm to 10:30pm and/or 10:00am to 6:30am with rotating weekends Compressed/Flexible: Compressed tour available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized