Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

RRTs frequently collaborate with specialists in medicine - pulmonology - cardiology - and anesthesiology. The aim is to improve breathing mechanics once the airway is blocked - or the lung function is jeopardized. RRTs suggest medicines that the patient needs to ease their breathing problems. Equipment and approaches in respiratory system therapy include ventilators - non-invasive ventilation - including biphasic positive airway pressure - continuous positive airway pressure and nebulizer remedies.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• 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.

Preferred Experience

Home oxygen clinic experience is preferred and a minimum of 4 years of experience as a registered respiratory therapist.

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Duties

• Provides CPR and oxygen needed to patients during cardiac and/or respiratory emergencies.
• Participates with medical and nursing staff in treatment planning for patients with respiratory needs.
• This includes making recommendations to physicians regarding alterations in treatment plans.
• Assesses the respiratory status of patients by observing pulse rate - observing respiratory rate - auscultation of breath sounds - monitoring SpO2 - and interpretation of blood gas results.
• Participates actively in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities.
• Knows the JCAHO Home Care standards relating to home oxygen and home respiratory equipment.
• Follows the Home Oxygen Program VHA Directive 1173.13 This Veterans Health Administration (VHA) directive provides policy and assigns responsibilities for administering the Home Oxygen Program to eligible Veterans.
• May lead projects developing new policies - procedures - or protocols.
• Cleans - assembles - calibrates - and monitors complex respiratory/diagnostic equipment.
• Draws arterial blood samples and recommends potential changes in patient care plans - based on results.
• Can report and make recommendations of venous blood gas results.
• Documents patient care and/or procedures performed accurately in the computerized medical record system - on worksheets - and/or in logs as required.
• Orders / coordinates with the vendor - a care plan to ensure the patients travel oxygen needs are met during the duration of his/her travel.
• Coordinates with Prosthetic Services and Vendor to ensure patient receives appropriate equipment and services.

Work Schedule

PRN/Intermittent - various days Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m- 4:00 p.m or 8:30 a.m- 5:00 p.m. - Based on need

Telework

Not available

Virtual

This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement #: 92873-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized