Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is another title for a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP). The RRT is a specialized healthcare practitioner trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine to work therapeutically with patients suffering from chronic and acute critical conditions, cardiac, and pulmonary disease.
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). (1) 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. (e) 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 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 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). Please see 'Additional Information' section for the Grandfathering provision. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: GS-05 Respiratory Therapist Requirements: (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) 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. GS-07 Registered Respiratory Therapist Requirements: (a) Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. (b) 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. GS-09 Registered Respiratory Therapist Requirements: Candidates must have: 1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR 2. A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. 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. GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist Requirements: Candidates must have: 1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. AND 2.Hold an active license and RRT credential. 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. 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: a. Considerable walking/standing may be required. b. Frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling may be required when moving equipment or supplies or other infrequent needs. c. Frequent, prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required. d. Manual dexterity and mobility are required. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures. e. Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching may be necessary. f. Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required. g. Intermittent exertion is possible. h. Subject to interruptions and stress from multiple calls, patient needs and/or inquiries from others, whether in-person, on the telephone, or via computer. i. Sound judgement and ability to function under stress is required. Inappropriate actions/judgment, especially those during emergency or crisis situations, may result in injury or death.
GS-05 RRT Duties Include but not limited to: As a GS-05 Respiratory Therapist, the incumbent will perform the following duties under close supervision: Provide respiratory care to critically ill and/or poor risk patients. This may include critical and emergent care with close supervision. Administer and evaluate oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy. Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy. Administer prescribed medications that pertain to the field, note contraindications and/or adverse reactions, and notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy as indicated. Monitor patient reactions to therapy with the use of pulse oximetry, observation, and lung sounds. Maintain and monitor ventilator patients as required and makes adjustments based on blood gas analysis with the physician's approval. Responds to all emergencies such as rapid response and code blues and assist as needed. GS-07 RRT Duties Include but not limited to: As a GS-07 Registered Respiratory Therapist, the incumbent will perform the following duties with direct supervision Provide respiratory care to critically ill and/or poor risk patients in critical and emergent situation with close supervision. Administer oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy. Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy. Administer prescribed medications that pertain to the field, note contraindications and/or adverse reactions, and notify the physician and recommend corrective therapy as indicated. Monitor patient reactions to therapy with the use of pulse oximetry and other adjuncts. Analyzes results of physiological results of arterial blood gas, pulse oximetry ETCo2 monitoring, basic spirometry, and other basic diagnostic procedures. Responds to all emergencies such as rapid response and code blues. GS-09 RRT Duties Include but not limited to: As a GS-09 Registered Respiratory Therapist, the incumbent will perform the following duties with direct supervision Provide respiratory care to critically ill and/or poor risk patients in critical and emergent situation with close supervision. Administer oxygen, aerosol, humidity, and positive pressure breathing therapy. Position patient and perform chest physiotherapy and drainage, noting the effectiveness of therapy. Analyzes results of physiological results of arterial blood gas, pulse oximetry ETCo2 monitoring, basic spirometry, and other basic diagnostic procedures. Responds to all emergencies such as rapid response and code blues. Provide emergency cardio-respiratory treatment to critically ill patients. Maintain and monitor ventilator patients as required and make adjustments based on blood gas analysis with physician approval. Document all activities in the progress notes and other areas all pertinent information regarding patient response and tolerance to all forms of therapy and test procedures performed. Perform other duties, applicable to the Respiratory Care department as requested by the Supervisor, Cardiopulmonary Services within scope of practice. GS-11 RRT Duties Include but not limited to: Administer assisted and controlled ventilation to patients with tracheotomies and other complex medical problems requiring frequent adjustments in ventilator parameters. Administering and monitoring advanced ventilator techniques such as positive end expiratory pressure and continuous positive airway pressure. Developing plans for weaning patients from ventilators; assessing the respiratory status of patients using data acquired through physical observation and clinical analysis of blood gas data, chest x-rays, and electrocardiogram to determine the effectiveness of therapy being administered and to make recommendations to physicians regarding changes in treatment. Performing the most difficult respiratory therapy procedures to maintain ventilation, including endotracheal intubation, tracheal lavage, and tracheotomy care; and providing in-service training to others in various specialized areas of respiratory care. Demonstrated knowledge and ability needed to perform complex respiratory procedures with minimal supervision. Can participate with physicians and nurses and other staff in planning respiratory treatment, with great reliance on the individual's knowledge of the equipment. Service as a shift leader or supervisor or sole responsible respiratory therapist on a shift; and to plan and conduct training sessions with respiratory therapy students, hospital staff, patients, and family members. Work Schedule: Compressed Schedule: Monday - Sunday, weekends and holidays- Day shift position Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 25537-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No Permanent Change of Station (PCS): No