The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is assigned to the Pulmonary section within DHSM (Hospital and Specialty Medicine Division).
Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: a. 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. b. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. c. 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. Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT d. 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. e. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. f. 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). Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07. (a) Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential.(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. ii. 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. iii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. iv. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. v. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. (c) Assignment. This is a developmental position. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09. (a) Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR ii. A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. ii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. iii. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. iv. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. (c) Assignments. This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level are 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. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) Assignments. This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. 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 using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Preferred Experience: 1) Minimum of 3 years ICU experience, this includes critical care and long-term ventilator experience. 2) Long term/Chronic care experience 3) Ability to teach groups of 5 or more at one time. 4)Ability to be self-motivated and work independently. 5) Ability to work well with all disciplines. 6) Considered to be a subject matter expert in all forms of respiratory related care/therapies. 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-7 to GS-11.
1. Performs the following procedures with proficiency and confidence under minimal supervision: Oxygen, aerosol, heated humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy; Continuation of mechanical ventilation using the Astral 150, LTV 1000/1200 ventilators; Maintains, adjusts, and monitors patients on a ventilator; Performs weaning procedures on ventilated patients according to the Ventilator Liberation protocol; Implement Acute and Chronic NIPPV set-up and use(Home NIPPV devices CPAP, Auto CPAP, BIPAP, Auto Bipap, ASV, AVAPS; also completes initial home 02 evaluations and assists the home 02 department with follow up/annual re-evaluations. 2. Reads and reviews the patient's chart and evaluate physician's orders for respiratory therapy. 3. Positions the patient and performs chest physiotherapy and postural drainage therapy/positioning, noting effectiveness of therapy or perform Flutter Value. 4. Administers aerosolized medications as prescribed in the physician's order while following hospital policy regarding the administration of medication(s) (BCMA). 5. Performs arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis by: performing an arterial blood gas draw to obtain blood specimen from radial or brachial artery; Must have basic understanding of blood gas and acid base interpretation; Consults with superiors and/or physicians on blood gas results and makes recommendations for best course of action for the patient. Responds to emergencies, makes assessments, and implements proper actions and judgments. 6. Performs bedside pulmonary function testing as required. 7. Assists in and performs minor and preventative maintenance of department equipment, when necessary. 8. Prepares departmental requisitions, charges, and other paper work that pertains to the department. 9. May be called upon to aid in the evaluation of new equipment and supplies. 10. Performs all Respiratory Therapy tasks using aseptic techniques/universal precautions to provide best care available to the patient. 11. Follows department policies and procedures, SOP's that have been approved and signed by the medical director of respiratory care services at VHAPORHCS. 12. Assembles, cleans, and sterilizes equipment, as required. 13. Performs and accepts other duties, as assigned. Work Schedule: (6)Twelve-hour shifts will be 1000-2230, (1)Eight-hour shift will be 1400-2230). Current schedule needing to fill is Week one (Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday) Week two ( Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized