Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary The purpose of the Registered Respiratory Therapist position is to ensure safe - effective - and timely respiratory care across all levels of patient acuity. The RRT provides expert assessment - therapeutic intervention - monitoring - and emergency response for individuals with respiratory compromise. This role maintains continuous respiratory care services throughout the facility - including during high-risk periods such as overnight shifts. Qualifications 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 PolicyEducationIndividuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successorLicensurePersons 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 RRTCredentialPersons 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 RRTFailure to Obtain CredentialIn all cases - RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointmentFailure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employmentThe Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs - in writing - the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquiredand 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadlineThe HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel FolderLoss of Licensure - Certification or CredentialsAn employee in this occupation - who fails to maintain the required certifications - RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in the termination of employmentOnce credentialed - licensed or certified - RTs/RRTs must maintain a full - valid and unrestricted license - credential and certification to practice respiratory careEnglish Language ProficiencyRTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C.7403(f)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: In addition to the basic requirements - all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-11Experience - 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 levelHold an active license and RRT credentialDemonstrated Knowledge - Skills and AbilitiesIn 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 outcomesSkill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalitiesSkill in performing advanced airway and ventilation managementPreferred Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of experience 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-11Physical Requirements: May require moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.)straight pullingpushingreaching above the shoulderuse of fingersboth hands requiredwalkingstandingrepeated bendingability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneouslyability to distinguish shades of coloremotional and mental stabilityhearing (aid permitted)The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of timefrequent bending - reaching - stooping - and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatusand pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator eq Duties Duties include - but are not limited to: Reviews - collects - and evaluates relevant clinical dataFormulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessmentCommunicates orally and in writing - changes - adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team membersProvides effective education and training to patients - students and co-workers as appropriatePerforms both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patientsExamples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture - blood gas analysis - pulmonary function testing - bronchoscopy assistance - pulmonary rehabilitation - endotracheal intubation - oxygen administration etcPerforms emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelinesActively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activitiesWork Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30PM-0800AM Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 92153-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized