The Registered Respiratory Therapist works independently providing full range of clinical procedures related to 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.
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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. 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. 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 will be GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolong periods of time, frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to setup and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus. Must be able to moderately lift to 44lbs, move equipment and supplies from patient bedside to equipment room and vice versa; lifting and repositioning patients; pushing or pulling heavy object such as oxygen tanks and or ventilators during patient transport.
Duties Include: Perform bedside spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests( plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing and diaphragm stimulation) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results. Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post care of bronchoscopy procedures. Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices. Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment cardiopulmonary diseases. Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute- care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. Assist in developing, administering, evaluating, and modifying respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. - Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. Perform basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Maintain knowledge and skills necessary to retain certification. Perform advance airway placement or may assist physicians and full performance RRTs in placing more advanced artificial airways. Collaborate with other professionals in care management built upon evidence-based medicine and clinical protocols. Use evidence- based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols. Deliver therapeutic interventions based on evidence-based medicine and clinical outcome. Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to aerosol systems in all patient settings. Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to lung expansion Work Schedule: Full Time, 40 hours per week. Scheduling will be discussed during the interview process. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized