The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointments as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: 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. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure. People 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. People 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. (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 people 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. 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 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide written notices to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder. Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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 REQUIREMENTS. All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above in paragraph 4 a-g and all basic qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment. All positions must be designated in one of the approved titles or parenthetical title, as described below and duties must meet the definition of the assignment: GRADE DETERMINATIONS. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 3 above, 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-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. The following certifications are desirable but not required: a. CPFT, b. RPFT or c. RPSGT. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing. ii. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. iii. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing. iv. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. v. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position are designated for complexity level 3 facilities only. In addition to the assignments of the full performance level position, incumbents are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment along with a combination of the duties from the following assignments below as Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary), Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary/ Polysomnography) under paragraphs(6)(a)-(c) and (7). This assignment is not appropriate and cannot be used in facilities designated at complexity level 1 and 2 (see assignments below beginning in paragraphs (6)(a)-(c) and (7) for facilities designated as complexity level 1 and 2).
Area I: Support Functions 1. Utilizes Virtual Visit technology as appropriate. 2. Performs 6-minute walk tests to evaluate oxygenation status. 3. Completes all paperwork for 6-minute walk tests and forwards paperwork to Home Oxygen Coordinator if determined patient needs home oxygen. Area II: Collection of Diagnostic Information Pulmonary Function Technology 1. Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results for both inpatients and outpatients. 2. 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. Area III: Disease Management Management of Chronic Diseases 1. Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. 2. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. 3. Assist in developing, administering, and re-evaluation of patient care plans. Management of Acute Diseases 1. Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. 2. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. 3. Assist in developing, administering, and re-evaluation of patient care plans. Area IV: Evidence-Based Medicine and Best Practice Guidelines Evidence-Based Medicine 1. Ability to retrieve credible sources of evidence. 2. Applies evidence-based medicine to clinical practice. 3. Explains the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based and out of hospital based respiratory care best practice guidelines. Area V: Patient Assessment Patient Assessment 1. Completes the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. 2. Obtains medical, surgical, and family history as appropriate. 3. Obtains social, behavioral, and occupational history, and other historical information incident to the purpose of the current complaint. Diagnostic Data 1. Reviews and interprets pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. 2. Reviews and interprets lung volumes and diffusion studies. 3. Reviews and interprets arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. Physical Examination 1. Inspects the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. 2. Measures vital signs (pulse oximetry, heart rate, respiratory rate). 3. Evaluates patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles. Area VI: Leadership A. Knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care B. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization C. Skill in communicating data, policies, and regulations Area VII: Emergency and Critical Care Emergency Care 1. Perform basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. 2. Maintain knowledge and skills necessary to retain certification as per associated guidelines as stated above. 3. Perform endotracheal intubation. Area VII: Assessment of Therapeutics Assessment of Need for Therapy - Assesses the need for therapies in all patient settings. 1. Medical gas therapy 2. Humidity therapy 3. Aerosol therapy Assessment Prior to Therapy 1. Review order and/or implement protocol. 2. Review patient history, laboratory results, and imaging data. 3. Determine indications/contraindications for therapy. Administration of Therapy 1. Select and assemble equipment. 2. Apply and administer therapy. 3. Monitor patient's response to therapy. Evaluation of Therapy 1. Recognize complications and respond to adverse effects. 2. Recommend therapy modifications. 3. Assess therapy effectiveness. Area VIII: Application of Therapeutics to Respiratory Care Practice Medical Gas Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to gas delivery systems in all patient settings 1. Evaluate compressed gas cylinders. 2. Evaluate regulators and flow meters. 3. Evaluate liquid-oxygen systems (stationary and portable). Humidity Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to humidity therapy systems in all patient settings. 1. Evaluate unheated passive humidifiers. 2. Evaluate active and passive heat-and-moisture exchangers (HMEs). 3. Evaluate heated humidifiers for medical gas delivery systems via mask, tracheal catheter, and artificial airways. Health Policy 1. Adhere to regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, Hazmat). Work Schedule: 0700-1530 M-F