Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRTs) work independently providing basic and advanced respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The Registered Respiratory Therapist plans - implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels.

• 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
• Physical Standards:
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements
• 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)
• 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: 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, and must hold an active license and RRT credential
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all of 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
  • Must be able to problem solve/troubleshoot respiratory therapy diagnostic and therapeutic devices following published guidelines
  • Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Preferred Experience:
  
  2-3 Years PFT experience, RPFT preferred
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements:
  • Moderate lifting – 15-44 pounds
  • Moderate carrying – 15-44 pounds
  • Reaching above shoulder
  • Both hands required
  • Walking, standing, repeated bending
  • Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
  • Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
  • Ability to distinguish shades of colors
  • Hearing (aid may be permitted)

• Major duties include – but are not limited to:
  Will have a great deal of independence in the performance of their duties
• Reviews – collects and evaluates relevant clinical data from the medical record and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met
• RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation
• Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients (e.g., arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration)
• Applies clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist the provider in formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x‑ray, pulse oximetry, etc.
• Manages and maintains the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means by monitoring critical systems
• Performs basic spirometry – pre/post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, plethysmography, and MIPs/MEPs in…