The Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary) is located in the Respiratory Therapy service at Syracuse VA Medical Center and is a respiratory care practitioner who is employed under medical direction in the treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, and care of patients with breathing disorders. Respiratory Therapist's (RRT), function as members of the medical team in treating and assessing the needs of individuals who may have breathing disorders.
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: To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: 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 (Pulmonary) GS-12 : 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: Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification. Candidates must hold a CPFT or RPFT and RPSGT Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. b. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. c. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. d. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. e. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. f. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. g. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Assignment. 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 compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. They perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. RRTs conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. They train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry. Preferred Experience: CPFT or RPFT is required. 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-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019.
Lists the major duties and responsibilities of the position: Compares and evaluates indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) including but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing, recognizing normal/abnormal results. Performs bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies and monitor patients, recognizing and initiating interventions for complications of testing. Performs pulmonary function testing, i.e. spirometry, before and after bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, plethysmography (TGV, RAW), diffusion studies, resting and exercise oximetry. Assesses for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Effectively determines and applies appropriate intervention for such adverse actions. Performs the initial quality review of test results and readies them for physician interpretation, which determines whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. Conducts quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment and maintains lab records. Maintains documentation and sends results to the physician for interpretation. Performs daily calibration and scheduled maintenance of all equipment. Performs all testing protocols according to ATS standards. Responsible for ordering necessary supplies, medications, and gases associated with pulmonary testing. Provides clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. Trains in advance pulmonary function procedures and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry. Performs other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Rotating Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized