Clarification from the agency

All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens. Veterans preference will be applied.

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Duties include but are not limited to:

• Work is performed independently by full performance level RRTs under physician medical direction often without direct supervision;
• Therapists perform work under the guidance of written provider orders. Orders are expected to be verified prior to administering the care, treatment or service.
• The therapist will have knowledge of a variety of related acute and chronic disorders and diseases, their effect on the lungs and heart, and the method of treatment.
• The therapist will be clinically competent, self-motivated and able to work in an independent manner understanding their role not only as a member of the greater health care team, but also as an advanced therapist expected to perform at the full performance level.
• The therapist understands their responsibilities to guide lesser experienced and lesser credentialed therapists to help them advance in their skills.
• The therapist will pro-actively stay abreast of current concepts in Respiratory Care.
• The therapist will have knowledge of changes over the life span of the patient and have the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status to identify each patient's requirements relative to age-specific needs.
• The therapist will have the ability to plan and conduct training sessions with, students, hospital staff to include physicians, other respiratory therapists, patients and caregivers/family members.
• The therapist will be trained and skilled in utilizing proper techniques for obtaining, transporting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting arterial blood gas samples in a timely manner.
• The therapist is responsible for adhering to pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic guidelines to protect the integrity of the sample and ensure quality results.
• The therapist will be trained and familiar with both blood gas/co-oximetry instrumentation and analysis, and able to perform required special testing for lab accreditation purposes.
• The therapist's primary responsibility is to help maintain a patent airway at all times for the patient.
• The therapist will be trained and skilled in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care including but not limited to the initiation, patient education, performance, and documentation of various modes of therapy, including but not limited to side-arm nebulization, oxygen administration, humidification and aerosolization, chest percussion and postural drainage, coughing/deep breathing exercises, positive airway pressure therapy, airway secretion clearance devices, naso/endotracheal suctioning.
• The therapist will have knowledge of the pharmacology of medications used in the delivery of respiratory care, common dosages, typical and atypical patient responses and side effects.
• The therapist will be able to initially assess the patient using chart review, bedside assessment skills to include but not limited to auscultation, vital signs, review of chest x-ray, and pulse oximetry.
• The therapist will also be able to skillfully reevaluate the efficacies of therapeutic modalities by reassessing the patient utilizing arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, peak flow maneuvers, end tidal CO2, basic spirometry, other diagnostic procedures and bedside patient assessment skills.
• Under physician direction, the therapist will be responsible for initiating and maintaining both invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation to include the use of advanced modes of ventilation.
• The therapist will be responsible for performing and documenting routine patient status / ventilator system checks at designated intervals according to policy. Ventilator checks are to include but are not limited to status of usage and current parameter settings as compared to current provider order, patient assessment, alarm settings, ordered ventilator changes, weaning parameters, spontaneous breathing trials, extubations, and any relevant information reflecting the care and/or treatment of the patient.
• Electronic data collection system (Clinicomp) will be utilized to capture ventilator settings and values in real time to ensure data is inside the electronic health record.
• The therapist will be trained and familiar with all aspects of both invasive and non-invasive ventilators used in this facility, as well as trouble-shooting techniques.
• The therapist will be able to assess ventilated patients via arterial blood gas analysis, monitor information, ventilator feedback, and bedside patient assessment skills to evaluate and effectively communicate respiratory status including complex respiratory cases to determine if current care plans seem appropriate and outcomes are being met.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:60303-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a trial period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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.
• English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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 by the 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:

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11: In addition to the basic requirements for employment above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:

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.

Qualifying Experience include: Independently provides Pulmonary Function Testing for both inpatient and/or outpatient settings, receives Pulmonary Function consults for scheduling, give patient notice of future appointments verbally, mailed written letters and by phone, consult literature on a regular basis (e.g. AARC Times, Respiratory Care, etc.) to stay acquainted with alternative modes of therapy and keep technically up to date, calibrates and operates Pulmonary Function equipment and accessories daily, maintains in functioning condition, ensuring safety and efficient operation, troubleshoot all PFT machines and equipment interacting with vendor as needed, cleans Pulmonary Function equipment in between patient testing according to manufactory guidelines, performs diagnostic tests to include arterial blood gas analysis, spirometry, pulse oximetry, peak flow, and negative inspiratory force and COPD management, administers oxygen involving the use of variety of standard respiratory equipment to include low flow systems, perform resting and exercise oxygen saturation in PFT Lab, perform respiratory care procedures in PFT Lab such as therapeutic and diagnostic aerosol, metered dose inhalers, evaluates efficacies of therapeutic modalities, ability to perform all Pulmonary Function testing procedures, uses advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as NIP, MIP, and 6 Minute Walk testing, etc.

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:GS-11

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all 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.

Assignments. Candidates at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. 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.

Preferred Experience: 2 years experience

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: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs.).

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.