Respiratory Therapy is a life-supporting, life-enhancing health care professional practice under qualified medical supervision. Respiratory care services, both diagnostic and therapeutic, are provided to patients with known or suspected disorders of the cardiopulmonary system. 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. English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09. (a) 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. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. (c) Assignments. 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. Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11. (a) 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. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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. (c) Assignments. This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or 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 monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, References: Hybrid Title 38 Occupation official qualification standards of the position as stated in VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, 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-9 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service requirements. ["They 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 using 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. Provides instructions to the patient and his/her family regarding theory, operation, cleaning and actual use of cardiopulmonary treatment modalities as may be required. Cleans, sterilizes, and assembles all respiratory care equipment as may be required per manufacturer or departmental SOP. Performs routine adjustments as needed. Performs critical care patient management techniques such as, non-invasive and invasive ventilation, arterial blood gas analysis, intubation, airway management, hemodynamic calculation and any other such patient related functions as deemed within the scope of practice of respiratory therapists and institutional policy. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. 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. The respiratory therapist takes an active role in resuscitations and is responsible for airway management (endotracheal intubation), ventilation, blood gas obtainment and analysis, and overall resuscitation. Selects and adapts respiratory care procedures as may be required based on patient status. Actively consults with the physician and any other health care provider as deemed necessary to provide optimal care. Provides instructions to the patient and his/her family regarding theory, operation, cleaning and actual use of cardiopulmonary treatment modalities as may be required. Document appropriately per departmental SOP on all current charting platforms. Provides education and instructions for physicians, students, and other health care disciplines in the proper utilization of respiratory care equipment and therapy. Effectively assists with the orientation of new employees. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Effectively assists in the development of pertinent unit procedures/standards for implementation. Contributes effectively to policies and decisions related to the delivery of care. Demonstrates basic computer skills consistent with job requirements. Effectively utilizes continuous quality improvement tools and identifies performance improvement opportunities to positively influence patient outcomes. The incumbent will assess, identify, and provide care that recognizes the differing developmental and treatment needs of patients of different ages. The incumbent will specifically recognize the differing needs of the adult and geriatric patient populations served. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51426-A, 51414-A 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.
