Clarification from the agency

This position is open to US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE

The services performed by RRTs at the DC VAMC include, but are not limited to, the following activities performed in accordance with valid orders or under established protocols:

- Equipment selection and setup to appropriately provide care ordered by physician or protocol
- Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with the use of medical gases and administration devices, humidification and aerosols
- Administration of medication to the cardiopulmonary system
- Transport of patients to and from areas for special procedures on oxygen, BiPAP, or transport ventilators
- Verification of all orders before implementation
- Discontinuation or exchange of all equipment, and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in accordance with VHA Directives and facility and department policies
- Maintenance of natural and artificial airways as necessary, including endotracheal suctioning, oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal suctioning, sputum induction, tracheal lavage, and securing of nasal or oral endotracheal tubes or tracheostomies
- Ventilatory support, including initiation, maintenance, and management of life support systems, and the patient/ventilator interface
- Administration of mixed gases (e.g., nitric oxide mix, others as implemented per policy)
- Bedside training of physicians-in-training and medical residents through patient contacts, discussions, consultations
- Monitoring patient status as appropriate via arterial blood gases, chest auscultation, review of x-ray studies, clinical observation
- Weaning and removal of ventilator support, with appropriate monitoring of patient and assessment of ability to maintain reliable spontaneous ventilation
- Bronchopulmonary drainage and breathing exercises
- Assurance of proper performance of all respiratory equipment used in patient care
- Oversight of oxygen therapy provided by non-respiratory staff
- Assistance with bronchoscopy as needed, once oriented
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Participation in Rapid Response Team (RRT)
- Assistance with insertion and maintenance of artificial airways including but not limited to endotracheal tubes (ET) and intubating laryngotracheo mask (ILMA) airways
- Arterial punctures and arterial line draw
- Blood gas analysis and associated quality control procedures, performed in accordance with qualification and performance guidelines developed by the College of American Pathologists and The Joint Commission
- Calculate pertinent cardiopulmonary parameters (e.g., A-a gradient, shunt, etc.)
- Notification of physicians regarding abnormal results and the need for associated action relative to the patient's ventilatory and oxygenation status
- Documentation of notification of critical values to appropriate care providers
- Patient/family education
- Collaboration/consultation with attending physicians, residents, fellows, interns, Pas, Nurse Practitioners, other hospital staff
- Recognition of the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk.
- Home oxygen evaluations
- Appropriate, accurate and complete documentation for all services
- Complete and detailed report of shift occurrences and patients status for oncoming staff
- Various other duties as assigned

The RRT practices professionally, must be reliable, able to work independently, and be self-motivated. The RRT is responsible for performing job duties in accordance with mission, vision, and values of DC VAMC.


Work Schedule: Compressed Monday, Tuesday & Friday 8:00 pm to 8:30 am (Days may vary)
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is NOT a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 688-26810-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.

• 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

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
To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following:

1. 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.

2. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.

3. 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.

4. 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.

(1) 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.
(e) 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.

(2) Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care.

5. Physical Standards. Work is primarily performed in environmentally controlled inpatient and outpatient care areas. Walking and standing for extended periods required. Must be able to physically access all areas of service. Pushing and pulling equipment up to seventy pounds, moving and lifting supplies, lifting, bending, stooping, and exposure to body fluid is involved.

This position has been evaluated as a Level 1 in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definition of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Level 1 positions in this category require the performance of tasks that are exposed to blood and potentially infectious body fluids.

6. 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).


GRADE REQUIREMENTS
All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above in paragraph 4 a-g and all basic qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment. All positions must be designated in one of the approved title or parenthetical title, as described below and duties must meet the definition of the assignment:

a. Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory Therapist GS-05 positions designated in this qualification standard are developmental positions under the 0601 series and do not have the same requirements as Respiratory Therapists in the 0651 series. The Respiratory Therapist title in this standard may only be used at the GS-05 level while the incumbent is working towards obtaining the RRT registration.
b. Registered Respiratory Therapist. Working titles, such as program coordinator, assistant chief, national program manager, etc., may be used at the organizational level to designate the work of the position.
c. Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)
d. Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography)
e. Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary/Polysomnography)
f. Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist
g. Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist


GRADE DETERMINATIONS
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11

Experience, Licensure and Credential.
Candidates must have:

1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
2. 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:

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.
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.

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; 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.