Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current, permanent Department of VA employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. *See How you will be evaluated Section below*

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This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants in USA Staffing will be qualified based on the resume submitted and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager every 1-2 weeks until the announcement is closed, cancelled, or filled.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plans, provides, and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff, and families.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the circulatory and pulmonary systems and the major organs associated with these systems is required. In addition, knowledge of a variety of related acute and chronic disorders and diseases, their effect on the lungs and heart, and the method of treatment.
• Knowledge of the pharmacology of common respiratory drugs, common dosages, typical and atypical patient responses and side effects is required.
• Knowledge of respiratory therapy and all necessary equipment including but not limited to concentrators, mechanical ventilators, CPAP and Bi-level therapy equipment, pulse oximeters, end-tidal CO2 monitors, suction equipment, oxygen delivery systems, conserving devices, airway clearance devices, portable spirometry testing equipment.
• Performs patient, family, and caregiver education as needed.
• Educates and trains new staff, students, and members of the healthcare team.
• Expertise in the operation of all respiratory care equipment at the facility and be able to select and manipulate the respiratory equipment and therapy to meet patient needs. Must be able to instruct physicians and other healthcare professionals in the proper utilization of respiratory care equipment and therapy.
• Skill in performing equipment troubleshooting, minor repairs, mask fittings, and equipment cleaning, calibration, and maintenance are required.
• Able to monitor vital signs, perform and interpret arterial blood gases, perform clinical assessments, recommend treatment options, and assess patient response appropriate for a registered respiratory therapist.
• Skilled in arterial puncture by utilizing arterial puncture techniques with collections via careful anaerobic technique, proper storage of blood until analyzed and utilizing all necessary safeguards to prevent complications from this technique.
• Has active listening skills, effective written and verbal communication skills to effectively and professionally communicate with patients, patient's families or caregivers, various services and healthcare providers, VISN officials, and regulatory agency surveyors during on-site inspections.
• Ability to use time effectively and efficiently, and be able to prioritize work tasks and utilizes resources appropriately to minimize waste and always abides by the VA Code of Conduct Standards.
• Clinically competent, self-motivated, able to work in an independent manner, and stay abreast of the current concepts in respiratory care.
• Maintains all clinical competencies during the evaluation period according to departmental and unit specific standards.
• Provides complete and accurate documentation in the electronic health record for all patient encounters and event captures. Ensures all necessary data is recorded accurately and will make corrections when necessary.
• Reviews orders and supplies. Maintaining an adequate number of supplies needed for the inpatient and outpatient clinic areas.

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.

• 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.

Qualifications

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document.

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.
    • (a) 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.
    • (b) 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.
    • (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT.
    • (d) Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.

• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described below:

1. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
2. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
3. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
4. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.

• Hold an active license and RRT credential.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current, permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current, permanent Federal employees of other agencies
4. All other applicants.