Registered Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Registered Respiratory Therapists at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. They use data and patient assessment to establish an 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.

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.

• 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: 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 VA Qualification Standard (only applicable to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations:
  Registered Respiratory Therapist — GS-11
  • (a) Experience - Licensure and Credential:
    Candidates must have one year of creditable experience at the GS-09 level and hold an active license and RRT credential
  • (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    Candidates must demonstrate 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
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Considerable walking/standing; frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling; frequent or prolonged sitting; manual dexterity; frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching; ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds; intermittent exertion; subject to interruptions and stress; sound judgment under emergency or crisis situations