Clarification from the agency

The area of consideration will be referred in the following order: 1) Current permanent Mann-Grandstaff VAMC and associated clinic employees 2) Current permanent Agency (Department of Veterans Affairs) employees. 3) Current permanent employees of other Federal agencies.

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Duties listed below are for GS-11, developmental grades will differ in complexity and oversight.

• Prepares, calibrates, interfaces, and operates all equipment used in polysomnographic Home Sleep Testing procedures and complex respiratory therapy equipment.
• Performs various procedures to control and maintain artificial airways including adjunct airways, frequent adjustments in ventilator settings, advanced ventilator techniques including positive end expiratory pressure and continuous positive pressure. Assesses the patient for weaning from the ventilator and extubation. Performs airway care on intensive care patients.
• Performs bedside pulmonary diagnostic tests including measurement of respiratory compliance, inspiratory force, tidal volume, and dead space to tidal volume ratios. Performs basic spirometry including forced vital capacity, forced expired volume, forced expiratory flow and peak flow. Performs oxygen shunt studies, stress testing with oximeter, and night sleep monitored by oximeter.
• Responds to all Code Blue and Rapid Response calls/pages. Inserts and manages artificial airways in accordance with the National Out of Operating Room Airway Management (OOORAM) Directive.
• During transport of patients, maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary.
• Performs routine respiratory therapy treatments in all hospital ward areas.
• Provides bronchopulmonary hygiene including cough assist, acapella valve, CPT, incentive spirometry, PEP valve and other devices and therapies.
• Monitors patient physiological responses including vital signs, arterial blood gases, blood chemistry, adverse reactions to therapies and documents results/evaluation in the medical record and notifies staff and physicians or response. Provides patient instruction for home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation including home care and ventilator patients.
• Provides respiratory care when requested by performing patient care assessments including airway competency, reviewing patient information to provide recommendations for optimal therapeutic interventions and treatment plans.
• Collects specimens of sputum for bacteriological and cytological studies as ordered by the physician.
• Integrates pulmonary care with Anesthesiology, Surgical Services and Medicine Services in pre and post-operative care. Adapts routine techniques to meet special conditions of the patient or special requests from physicians.
• Records significant observations such as sleep stage, heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation level, body position; presence and/or absence of sleep apnea, snoring, myoclonus, bruxism, cardiac arrhythmias, sleep terrors. Annotates seizures, abnormal sleep behavior and significant respiratory events.
• Instructs patients on home sleep study equipment, downloads and interrupts data, enters results into the patients electronic medical record for physician review. Administers Epworth Sleep Scale test to patients. Scores Home Sleep Tests including stage, respiratory events, limb movements, EEG arousals, with or without respiratory or limb movement events, heart rate, oxygen saturation level, body position, snoring, myoclonus, bruxism, cardiac arrhythmias. Annotates seizures, abnormal sleep behavior and significant respiratory events.
• Observes guidelines for infection control and safety policies. Regularly monitor the condition of respiratory equipment to insure proper cleaning and functioning. Notifies supervisor of any necessary repair or replacement.
• Performs instruction for hook up of overnight oximetry testing for patient and/or caregiver; downloads data from oximetry and inputs results into the electronic medical record for physician review.
• Draws arterial, venous and mixed venous blood samples from patients using a needle and syringe or via an arterial line. Assists in maintenance of arterial lines. Operates iStat blood gas analyzer to determine the level of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acid-base balance of the blood.
• Performs positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting and adjusting and performs re-evaluation of patient for equipment usage and function. Ensures that on initial set-up and instruction the CPAP patient is enrolled in the CPAP/Bi-Level clinic for future re-evaluation and follow-up.
• Responsible for filling orders for replacement masks, tubing, filters, humidifier chambers, cushions etc. that the veteran requires to maintain use of his/her PAP therapy device according to policy.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, and Weekends, combination of 12 and 8 hour tours, exact times will be discussed during interview.
Compressed:Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 70718-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.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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 38 U.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.
  • Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below.
    • VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level.
    • RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received.
    • RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT.
    • Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
    • Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential; 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder.

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:
Respiratory Therapist, GS-05.

Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07.

Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
ii. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures.
iii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
iv. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
v. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09.

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.

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.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11.

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.

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.

Preferred Experience: At least 2 years of experience as a licensed, independent therapist. Certification as an RRT by The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), pushing, reaching above shoulder use of fingers, both hands, walking standing, kneeling repeated bending, climbing, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include: excessive noise (intermittent), constant noise, alarm noise, working closely with others, and working alone.

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.