Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) at this grade level will be responsible for assignments with minimal or no clinical supervision from a RRT at the full performance level in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. Must understand related disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, pathology, psychology and physics as they relate to the field of Respiratory 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. 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: 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. 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 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.
Major duties for this position include but are not limited to the following: RRTs complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review and other means as appropriate and share the information with health care team members. Incumbent will use accepted measuring/monitoring tools for determining plan of care. Place nasal and oropharyngeal airway and perform nasal and tracheal suctioning. RRTs obtain, analyze and report arterial and venous blood gas samples. Perform job duties in the critical area with close supervision to include inline suctioning, repositioning and securing endotracheal tubes, bag valve mask ventilation, assisting in patient transport and performing patient ventilator assessment. RRTs provide outpatient services such as positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. The incumbent will be credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care or its successor organization for at least 2 years. Must have a thorough understanding and intimate knowledge of the principles, theories, techniques and practices to the field of Respiratory Care and must be able to demonstrate the practical application of these principles, theories and techniques. Intensive care REQUIRED. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ACLS) are REQUIRED. Work Schedule: Full-time, 7:00pm to 7:30am (12 hour shifts - 80 hours bi-weekly) Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91211-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized