Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

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Major Duties:

• During emergency situations, the RT serves as a member of the Code Blue team in response to Cardiac and/or Respiratory arrests and is responsible independently inserting artificial airways into patient's trachea to provide controlled breathing consistent with the VA NJHCS Out-Of-The-Operating Room Airway Management policy.
• Initiates manual ventilation using a manual resuscitation bag or bag-valve-mask (BVM) and maintains ventilation and is involved with the Rapid Response Team.
• Sets up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume or pressure ventilators for critical care patients.
• Applies advanced ventilation techniques such as pressure control ventilation, tube compensation, and volume and pressure support ventilation.
• Monitors patients closely to avoid complications and to alter the plan as necessary.
• Initially and continuously assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination, respiratory monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
• Determines the effectiveness of the therapy being administered, communicates with physician, and suggests alternate modes of treatment as indicated.
• Performs airway and endo-tracheal tube care on patients with artificial airways, including cleaning and securing the trach and endotracheal tube site, in-line suctioning, monitoring tube cuff pressure and inspecting equipment and patient to insure proper function.
• Operates suction catheters attached to vacuum to remove secretions from patients' airways. Places nasal and oropharyngeal airways and performing nasal and tracheal suctioning.
• Perform chest physiotherapy using mechanical equipment or manual techniques.
• Performs postural drainage to facilitate the removal of secretions.
• Sets up and monitors oxygen delivery devices such as cannulas, masks, t-adaptors, face tents, humidifiers and aerosols containing prescribed medication to patients using standard respiratory equipment. Skilled in assessment of oxygenation.
• Demonstrates competency for obtaining arterial blood gas samples from patient using ABG kit, heparinized needle with syringe, and from Arterial Line.
• During transport of patients with artificial airways, maintain the patient's airway, ensure ventilation, monitor respiration and oxygen saturation, and performs manual ventilations or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation when necessary as per AHA guidelines.
• Performs patient clinical assessment, equipment setup, education and troubleshooting in areas of bronchial hygiene and lung expansion, home oxygen use, airway care, CPAP and Bi-Level machine and related equipment use, and COPD case management in the outpatient setting.
• Demonstrates the ability to utilize computer-based technologies, software and programs.
• Documents treatments, pre and post Tx. assessment and results of various checks, tests, procedures, and education pertinent to patient care in CPRS, BCMA.
• Completes patient care as ordered in Respiratory Consult and closes consults.
• Attends and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings where the overall needs of the patient are addressed.
• Provides inter- and intra-disciplinary in-services to other health care providers and students.
• Assists in orientation and training of new staff.
• Plan and conduct training sessions with hospital staff, patients, and family members.
• Assists in implementing solutions to technical and clinical work problems not covered by precedent or established procedures.
• Research and recommend based on the most current data for best practice.
• Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs and evaluation of existing programs, lead projects developing new policies, works on the Root Cause Analysis team in order to determine best practices for our medical center.
• Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment.
• Maintains supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency.
• May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent service/section on medical center, network, or national committees.
• May assist with the equipment set-up and bronchoscopy procedure.
• Performs bedside spirometry for inpatient and Pulmonary Function tests.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Intermittent
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 21P29-A
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 identification 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

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.
• Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor.
• Licensure. Persons appointed or reassigned to Registered Respiratory Therapist (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. 5 (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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

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).

Grandfathering Provision.(1) Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation. (2) 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. (3) 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. (4) 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. (5) 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. (6) 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.

Grade Determinations: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: 3 years of Adult Critical Care experience and 3 years of Pulmonary function testing experience highly preferred.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive 5019.

Physical Demands: The work will fluctuate from sedentary to moderate physical requirements, requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and or ventilator equipment > 25lbs, lifting from the knees <10lbs. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures.

Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks and discomforts which require special safety and health precautions, e.g., working regularly with patients and in situations where there is a risk of exposure to contagious diseases, odors, and or flammable gases. It is performed in an office, clinic, and inpatient setting. The therapist is required to wear protective clothing such as gloves and a mask to prevent disease and the spread of infection according to any precautions posted. The work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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.