Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) independently deliver respiratory care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They assess, plan, implement, and evaluate respiratory treatments for patients with acute or chronic lung conditions requiring oxygen support. RRTs perform diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures, operate respiratory equipment (including CPAP, BiPAP, oxygen analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulmonary function testing devices).

Duties

The incumbent must demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may also be assigned additional duties-both major and minor-that are not listed below. Responsibilities may evolve to reflect current trends in respiratory therapy and to meet the cardiopulmonary needs of the patients served. Some, though not all, functions must be performed to be evaluated above the full-performance level. Area I: Collection of Diagnostic Information A. Pulmonary Function Technology Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing, and diaphragm stimulation) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results. B. Sleep Compare and evaluate the indications and contraindications for sleep studies. Explain results in relation to types of respiratory sleep disorders. C. Invasive Diagnostic Procedures Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards and complications in preparation, performance, and post-care of bronchoscopy procedures. Describe the role of a respiratory therapist in diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures. Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices. Perform arterial sampling for blood analysis. Area II: Disease Management A. Management of Chronic Diseases Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans according to RCD policy. B. Management of Acute Diseases Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans according to RCD policy. Area III: Evidence-Based Medicine and Respiratory Care Protocols A. Evidence-Based Medicine Retrieve credible sources of evidence. Critique published research. Explain the meaning of general statistical tests. Apply evidence-based medicine to clinical practice. B. Respiratory Care Protocols Explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital-based respiratory care protocols. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Area IV: Patient Assessment A. Patient Assessment Complete the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. Obtain medical, surgical, and family history. Obtain social, behavioral, and occupational history, and other historical information incident to the purpose of the current complaint. B. Diagnostic Data Review and interpret pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. Review and interpret lung volumes and diffusion studies. Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. C. Physical Examination: Inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. Measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate). Evaluate the patient's breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles. Measure and document oxygen saturation with oximetry under all appropriate conditions (with or without oxygen at rest and during sleep, ambulation, and exercise). Area V: Leadership A. Incumbent must be able to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated respiratory care program and recommend improvements based on evaluation of facility operations. B. Knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care. C. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization. Work Schedule: 7:00 pm to 7:30 am. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Compressed/Flexible: Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51665F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-11 Qualification Requirements A. Experience Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, demonstrating appropriate clinical competencies. B. Citizenship Must be a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens are not available, following VA regulations. C. Education Must have completed a respiratory care program (associate degree or higher) accredited by CoARC or its successor. D. Licensure Must hold and maintain a full, current, unrestricted state license to practice as an RRT for the entire duration of employment. E. Credential Must maintain a valid, current, unrestricted RRT credential and any additional applicable professional certifications. F. Certifications Employees must maintain the following throughout employment: ACLS certification (American Heart Association) and other job-specific certifications. OORAM certification (Out of Operating Room Airway Management). Training is provided initially and recertified every 2 years. Recommended but not required: BLS, PALS, NRP. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Preferred Experience: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) critical care experience preferred, not required;??????? Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 11. Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion, such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment, or assisting patients.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.