Career Center

Summary

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at this grade 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.

Qualifications

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
• 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
• 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 Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above - all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist: 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
• AND Hold an active license and RRT credential
• In addition to the requirements above - candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• 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 GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: Considerable walking/standing may be required
• Frequent lifting - positioning - pushing/pulling may be required when moving equipment or supplies or other infrequent needs
• Frequent - prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required
• Manual dexterity and mobility are required
• The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures
• Frequent reaching - stooping - bending - kneeling - or crouching may be necessary
• Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required
• Intermittent exertion is possible
• Subject to interruptions and stress from multiple calls - patient needs and/or inquiries from others - whether in-person - on the telephone or via computer
• Sound judgement and ability to function under stress is required
• Inappropriate actions/judgment - especially those during emergency or crisis situations - may result in injury or death.

Duties

• Major duties: Administer assisted and controlled ventilation to patients with tracheotomies and other complex medical problems requiring frequent adjustments in ventilator parameters
• Administering and monitoring advanced ventilator techniques such as positive end expiratory pressure and continuous positive airway pressure
• Developing plans for weaning patients from ventilators
• assessing the respiratory status of patients using data acquired through physical observation and clinical analysis of blood gas data - chest x-rays - and electrocardiogram to determine the effectiveness of therapy being administered and to make recommendations to physicians regarding changes in treatment
• Performing the most difficult respiratory therapy procedures to maintain ventilation - including endotracheal intubation - tracheal lavage - and tracheotomy care
• and providing in-service training to others in various specialized areas of respiratory care
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability needed to perform complex respiratory procedures with minimal supervision
• Can participate with physicians and nurses and other staff in planning respiratory treatment - with great reliance on the individual's knowledge of the equipment
• Service as a shift leader or supervisor or sole responsible respiratory therapist on a shift
• and to plan and conduct training sessions with respiratory therapy students - hospital staff - patients - and family members
• May lead projects developing new policies - procedures or protocols
• Work Schedule: Monday - Sunday - weekends and holidays- night shift - 7pm - 7:30am Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:FS 512-25537-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized