The RRTs 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.
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. English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. Certification. Candidates must hold a CPFT or RPFT and RPSGT. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: 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. Specialized Experience includes: Independently provides Pulmonary Function Testing for both inpatient and/or outpatient settings, receives Pulmonary Function consults for scheduling, give patient notice of future appointments verbally, mailed written letters and by phone, consult literature on a regular basis (e.g. AARC Times, Respiratory Care, etc.) to stay acquainted with alternative modes of therapy and keep technically up to date, calibrates and operates Pulmonary Function equipment and accessories daily, maintains in functioning condition, ensuring safety and efficient operation, troubleshoot all PFT machines and equipment interacting with vendor as needed, cleans Pulmonary Function equipment in between patient testing according to manufactory guidelines, performs diagnostic tests to include arterial blood gas analysis, spirometry, pulse oximetry, peak flow, and negative inspiratory force and COPD management, administers oxygen involving the use of variety of standard respiratory equipment to include low flow systems, perform resting and exercise oxygen saturation in PFT Lab, perform respiratory care procedures in PFT Lab such as therapeutic and diagnostic aerosol, metered dose inhalers, evaluates efficacies of therapeutic modalities, ability to perform all Pulmonary Function testing procedures, uses advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as NIP, MIP, and 6 Minute Walk testing, etc. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: GS-11 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:1. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.2. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.3. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Assignments. Candidates at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. 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: 2 years minimum Pulmonary function experience performing flow volume loops, plethysmography, and DLCO. RRT and credentialing in pulmonary function testing preferred. 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. . Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs.).
Duties include but are not limited to: 1. Reviews, collects and evaluates relevant clinical data. 2. Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment. 3. Communicates orally and in writing, changes, adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team members. 4. Provides effective education and training to patients, students and co-workers as appropriate. 5. Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines. 6. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities. 7. Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice. 8. Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment. 9. May serve as therapist-in-charge when assigned and/or in the absence of the Chief of Respiratory Care. 10. Promotes a customer-centered environment, taking personal responsibility for problem solving and effective courteous communication with patients, their families, medical staff, students and co-workers. 11. Provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cultural, cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. 12. Demonstrates the ability to utilize computer-based technologies, software and programs. 13. Demonstrates the ability to utilize computer-based technologies, software and programs 14. Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Examples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration etc. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00 - 3:30p.m. Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70361-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized