Registered Respiratory Therapist

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.

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.

Failure to Obtain Credential

Failure to Obtain Credential: In all cases - RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure 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 employment.

Human Resources (HR) Office Staff

The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs - in writing - the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired and 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The 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 Folder.

Loss of Licensure - Certification or Credentials

An 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 employment. Once credentialed - licensed or certified - RTs/RRTs must maintain a full - valid and unrestricted license - credential and certification to practice respiratory care.

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 in paragraph 3 above - 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-11
• 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 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: None

Physical Requirements

The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time - frequent bending - reaching - stooping - and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator equipment.

Duties

Duties include - but are not limited to:

• Reviews - collects - and evaluates relevant clinical data
• Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment
• Communicates orally and in writing - changes - adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team members
• Provides effective education and training to patients - students and co-workers as appropriate
• Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients Examples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture - blood gas analysis - pulmonary function testing - bronchoscopy assistance - pulmonary rehabilitation - endotracheal intubation - oxygen administration etc
• Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines
• Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Telework

Ad-hoc telework available at the discretion of the agency

Virtual

This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement #:91186A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized