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The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) functions within the Respiratory Therapy department and provides basic and acute respiratory care in all areas of the hospital, including the critical care units, as prescribed by a provider. The work involves performing a variety of non-routine or specialized respiratory therapy procedures per established policies and practices. 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 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. Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below. VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received. RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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. 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. 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-5 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential. GS-7 Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation GS-9 Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; Or, A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. 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. 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: Two years of critical care and charge experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11, Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs); Pushing; Straight pulling; Pulling hand over hand; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 6 hours); Standing (up to 6 hours); Kneeling (Intermittent); Repeated bending (up to 6 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 an to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional and Mental Stability. 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). ["Duties include, but are not limited to the following: CLINICAL: Independently performs basic and acute respiratory care, administration of oxygen and aerosol therapy, positive pressure devices (BIPAP, CPAP), ventilator care to include advanced technology/techniques (i.e., pressure control modality and associated ventilator adjustments and monitoring). The respiratory therapist is responsible for making appropriate recommendations to physicians regarding changes in therapy. Displays knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care. Assess respiratory status of patients through direct contact, chart review, diagnostic data (i.e., pulmonary function tests, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count and related laboratory tests) and other means as appropriate. Performs and responds as a member on the rapid response team, stroke team, code team calls (i.e., code blue team, code 99 team, etc.) Responsible for airway management and assisting with and/or performing endotracheal intubation. Duties may vary according to shift and/or patient care needs, and miscellaneous duties as assigned. Duties may include developing, administering, evaluating, monitoring and modifying respiratory care plans in the acute, critical and/or outpatient care settings using protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Duties may include monitoring critical systems, maintaining the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means, performing process for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, monitoring of patients using oximetry, electrocardiology, and apnea monitoring devices. PATIENT EDUCATION: The Respiratory Therapist (RT) is the expert clinician in the care and management for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The RT will provide education to patients and families as requested for new and chronic respiratory disease management in inpatient, post-acute care and outpatient care settings. Education will include the use and maintenance of home equipment, safety and contingency planning for chronic disease management including, but not limited to chronic disease management, home ventilation and positive airway pressure therapy, home oxygen usage and safety, tracheostomy care and suctioning, nebulizers and aerosol medications. PHARMACOLOGY: Dispense pharmacological solutions as prescribed by physician. Must possess and utilize a general knowledge of indications, contraindications, and complications of medicines and respond accordingly to policy and procedure in the event of adverse reactions and/or appropriate orders as demonstrated through observation, assessment and documentation. ADMINISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION: Documents all respiratory treatments and patient responses in the electronic medical record as per policy. This included documentation in BCMA and CPRS, and the completion of consult requests. Maintains departmental paperwork according to the current standard. Documentation will include appropriate patient information, location of patient, verification of patient name and social security number or date of birth, clearly and thoroughly state the events that occurred during therapy as demonstrated through medical record audit. Documentation will be completed in a timely manner; will clearly state the events that occurred during therapy as demonstrated through medical record audit. To include PRN effectiveness, blood gas entry, event capture, and BCMA if relevant. Ensures all patient consults are completed and closed out, and event capture entries are accurate and completed on a daily basis. Responsible to understand, interpret and comply with Respiratory Care Policies and Standard Operating Procedures. Duties may include leading projects to development and implement new policies, procedures and/or protocols. RESEARCH: May be asked to assist or participate in approved research activities involving the Pulmonary Section. EDUCATION: Completes and maintains current ACLS, BLS, PALS, Out of OR Airway Management Training and/or Certification. Assist in providing learning experiences for respiratory therapy students, allied health professionals and provide instruction where indicated. Work Schedule: Rotating days, 6:00p.m. to 6:30a.m. and 6:00p.m. to 2:30a.m. work schedule, but work schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the service. Incumbent will be designated to work night shift, with opportunities to internally transfer to day shift or outpatient areas based on seniority when available. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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