Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) works independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The incumbent must be able to use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met.

Duties

Major Duties Performs both fundamental and complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Plans, implements, recommends, and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures. Must have a reliable knowledge of complex procedures and is expected to practice professionally, work independently and perform job duties in accordance with the facility mission. Works in collaboration with the ordering provider to formulate an appropriate respiratory care plan based on patient observation and diagnostic test values. Collects, reviews, and evaluates relevant clinical data. Communicates changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status and applies clinical expertise in all matters. Provides effective education and training, as appropriate, to patients, family members, students, volunteers, and coworkers; serves as preceptor to staff as indicated. Administers medications through a variety of means; maintains current knowledge of standard dosing, adverse reactions, indication of use, and duration of effectiveness of respiratory drugs administered. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities. Assembles, checks, troubleshoots, and performs quality control tests on respiratory therapy equipment and diagnostic testing Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00pm - 7:00am. Subject to change based on needs of the facility. Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 520-00152F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

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. Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor. Licensure: Persons appointed or reassigned to Registered Respiratory Therapist 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 a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Credential: Persons appointed or reassigned to Registered Respiratory Therapist positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). 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 employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level). Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), GS-11 1.One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. 2. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Demonstrate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. 2. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. 3. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Preferred Experience: Minimum one year experience as RRT The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with the work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation. see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

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/.