Career Center

Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist is a respiratory care practitioner who is employed under medical direction in the treatment - management - control - diagnostic evaluation - and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities - of the cardio/pulmonary system.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Citizen of the United States (U.S.)
• Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - of this part
• See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information
• 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
• Physical Standards
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements
• 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)
• Grandfathering Provision
• The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all hybrid title 38 qualification standards
• Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation
• Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education - credential or certification requirements that apply to this occupation
• All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held - including positive education - credential or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation
• For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard - but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply: Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure - certification or registration - may be reassigned - promoted or demoted within the occupation
• Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure - certification or registration - may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance level or demoted within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure - certification or registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure - certification or registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels
• Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed - on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
• Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure - certification or registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
• If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation or employment with the VA - the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation and/or VA
• 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: Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-11
• (a) 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
• And 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
• (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 - 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 serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff
• They may lead projects developing new policies - procedures or protocols
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is at the GS-11 level
• Physical Requirements: Work will fluctuate from sedentary to moderate physical requirements
• Physical demands will include but are not limited to: bending at the waste - reaching above the head - lifting from the knees <10lbs - pushing and pulling < 25lbs.

Duties

• Respiratory Therapists function as members of the medical team in treating and assessing the needs of individuals who may be seriously ill and provide around the clock care to individuals who otherwise would not be able to survive life-threatening conditions
• The Registered Respiratory Therapist performs: Reviews - collects and evaluates relevant clinical data to validate therapy modalities used
• Consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals to create patient care plans based on complexity of diagnosis to ensure positive patient treatments
• Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment an uses alternative modes of treatment and complex respiratory care when necessary - including medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation
• Communicates orally and in writing - changes - adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team members
• Manages and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means
• Provides effective education and training to patients - students and co-workers as appropriate
• Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 21S69-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized