Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) at the full performance level are responsible for independently administering treatment to ambulatory, non-ambulatory and outpatient in the HBPC setting. They use data and patient assessment to establish 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. 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. 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: GS-05 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. Assignment This is the entry level developmental position. RTs at this grade level perform basic therapeutic modalities in all areas of respiratory care environment under close clinical supervision by an RRT at the full performance level or higher. GS-07 Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration.In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. ii. 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. iii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. iv. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. v. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Assignment This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level will be responsible for the following assignments with minimal clinical supervision from an RRT at the full performance level in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs complete patient assessment through direct contact, chart review and other means as appropriate and share the information with health care team members. They use accepted measuring/monitoring tools for determining plan of care. They place nasal and oropharyngeal airway and perform nasal and tracheal suctioning. RRTs obtain, analyze and report arterial and venous blood gas samples. They perform duties in the critical area with close supervision to include in- line suctioning, re-positioning and securing Endo Tracheal tube, bag valve mask ventilation, assisting in patient transport and performing patient ventilator assessment. RRTs provide outpatient services, such as positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. GS-09 Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential.Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level;OR ii. A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. ii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. iii. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. iv. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Assignment This is a developmental position. RRTs at this grade level are responsible for the following under general guidance in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. 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 through the use of appropriate mechanical means. RRTs assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation. They provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. GS-11 Experience, Licensure and Credential Candidates must have: i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all 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. Assignment This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in outpatient settings.. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish 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. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, PART II, APPENDIX G11. REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST, GS-0601, Veterans Health Administration, March 12, 2021.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-07 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Light lifting (under 15 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Light carrying (under 15 pounds); Pushing (some hours); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 4 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Kneeling (some hours); Repeated bending (some hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); No skin allergies. ["Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary care team in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive patient respiratory care services. Acts as a full performance Registered Respiratory Therapist and resource to certified, novice, and developmental level respiratory therapists. Demonstrates independence in the specialty of Respiratory Care and practices respiratory therapy according to guides set forth by professional standards by the AARC or NBRC Performs respiratory care utilizing evidence-based practices and references national guidelines. Precepts and mentors' new hires and students for clinical development when needed within HBPC. Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as oxygen delivery devices, HFNC, and pulse oximetry monitors. Evaluates patients for fluid overload, recommends treatment modality via evidence based practices and takes physician verbal orders and transcribe appropriately. Administers a variety of therapeutic respiratory medications in a timely and safe manner according to physician orders, recommendations of drug conversions, and institutes national protocols when necessary. Administers oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy via vest, flutter valve and PAP therapy. Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists and HBPC personnel relative to the types of treatments given, various types of medications used, and the set up and operation of respiratory equipment including the necessary cleaning and safety precautions. Manages and calibrates complex respiratory mechanical equipment such as ventilators and analyzers to assure accurate performance. Provides patient and family education when necessary, pertaining to smoking cessation, tracheostomy suctioning, stoma care, oxygen use and hazards etc. Performs pulmonary function studies and bed side diagnostics including spirometry, lung volumes and NIF. Collects Quality Improvement data via patient care audits for policy and procedural revisions. Assists in delivering respiratory care as needed to poor risk patients such as those in the older age group. Participates in the audit of respiratory care, recommending changes where indicated. Will provide care by home visits to the Veteran's home, occasional TELE/VVC to monitor compliance, education on equipment setup/care and supply ordering for positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy and routine COPD management. Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care using facility and GEC policies and procedures, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 0800-1630 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"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
