This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level will be responsible for the following assignments with minimal clinical supervision from an RRT at the full performance level in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review and other means as appropriate and share the information with health care team members. They use accepted measuring/monitoring tools for determining plan of care.
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 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. 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). Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure-Documentation Submitted. 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. GRADE REQUIREMENTS The following is used to determine the grade requirements for a Registered Respiratory Therapist from GS-7 to GS-11. For Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-05 nothing beyond the basic requirements is required. 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. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07 Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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 Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09 Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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 basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level) Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 7 to 11. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019
Inpatient: Aerosol therapy Aspects of mechanical ventilation, modes and weaning Intra-hospital transporting of critically ill patients being mechanically ventilated or requiring respiratory assistance Assists with intubation Extubations Blood procurement for blood gas analysis via arterial lines, punctures or pulmonary artery catheters Blood gas analysis/interpretation to make adjustments to mechanical ventilation, PAP therapy and oxygen therapy General maintenance of blood gas laboratory equipment and troubleshooting equipment issues/problems Perform CPR (BLS required and ACLS strongly encouraged) and respond to code situations and Early Response Team calls Airway care and management Bronchoscopy assistance at the bedside Postural drainage therapy and percussion Conducts bedside diagnostic respiratory tests Participate in multi-disciplinary rounds General Duties - Outpatient Performs home oxygen therapy evaluations according to departmental procedure and obtains physician's orders or patients who qualify for home oxygen therapy or renewals. Schedules appointments for annual home oxygen evaluation and renewal. Performs pulmonary testing procedures such as basic spirometry (FVC, MVV, flow volume loops), complete spirometry (SVC, FVC, MVV, FRC, Diffusion Capacity, lung volumes), high altitude testing, and bronchial challenge testing. Sets up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory therapy equipment such as PAP and nocturnal oximetry equipment. Monitors patients closely to avoid incidents and to alter the plan as necessary. Downloads modems for physicians to review for patient compliance with PAP therapy prescribed for patients. Sets up nocturnal portable sleep monitors with physician's order. Assists with CPAP setups and clinics. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 07:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required