The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a specialized healthcare practitioner who has completed education and training to provide treatment, assessment, monitoring, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. They hold a Registry from the National Board of Respiratory Care. This position is in the Pulmonary Section of the Medical Service in the Robley Rex VA Medical Center.
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. Grade Determinations: 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: A. 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. B. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Preferred Experience: Have BLS and ACLS certifications. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
The Registered Respiratory Therapist will utilize respiratory skills and knowledge to provide direct patient care to both inpatients and outpatients undergoing pulmonary diagnostic and treatment procedures. Duties include but not limited to: Selects, assembles, and checks all respiratory equipment for proper function and operation and ability to correct any equipment problems as needed assuring work orders are entered and information is forwarded to the appropriate parties. Ability to troubleshoot all equipment and adjust as needed to meet patient needs. Collects and reviews relevant clinical information (blood gas data, chest x-rays, electrocardiograms) along with patient assessments and make recommendations regarding changes in all respiratory related therapy based on patient observation and data. Performance with emergency and acute Respiratory Care procedures in both the inpatient and outpatient setting in accordance with departmental guidelines, protocols, and industry standards. Ventilator and non-invasive management including indications for use and discontinuation, settings and alarms, prevention of ventilator associated events, ability to adjust and suggest needed changes and or interventions based on data to ensure the patient obtains the maximum benefit from the ventilator, and safe patient transport. Administers all aerosolized breathing treatments, evaluation, and monitoring of patient response to therapy and recommendations for needed changes in therapy. Ability to set-up and monitor patients on CPAP/BIPAP therapy per policy, troubleshoots equipment, and educates patients on the importance of compliance at home. Performs oxygen certification for inpatients and to rotate to respiratory therapy outpatient clinics (home oxygen and 6-minute walk) when needed. Assist with routine maintenance required for functioning of equipment, including oxygen tanks, and are delivered to wards or clinic a needed. Other duties may be assigned within the scope of practice for respiratory care to ensure efficient daily operations. Performing Charge Duties: The incumbent will serve as charge therapist when assigned and duties will include but are not limited to the following: Assign workload by zone for the shift, writing assignments, VOCERA/pager numbers, on the board in the department. Assign lunch coverage for all therapists on tour. Facilitate safe care by ensuring that patient report is given according to policy. Engage co-workers/team in active problem solving regarding clinical issues assuring best care for the patients. Facilitate teamwork throughout the shift and/or reallocate work as needed to ensure the completion of the work. Work Schedule: 1930-0800 OR 0730-2000 Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 41126-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized