Registered Respiratory Therapist

Description:

The Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing basic & advanced Respiratory services to Adults/Geriatric Patients, and if necessary the basic treatment of all age groups. The therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of Respiratory care procedures and must be able to operate a variety of equipment including; mechanical ventilators, continuous positive pressure devices, pulmonary function, arterial blood gas equipment and oxygen monitors/analyzers.

Requirements:

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 : Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Please select the response below, that represents how you meet the education requirement.
• 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.

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 : GS-11 Registered

Respiratory Therapist: Experience or Education, 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

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSA's:

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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: P hysical demands require standing, walking, lifting patients, transporting respiratory equipment. The work involves participating in lengthy, difficult procedures. Above average dexterity is required to calibrate and operate the technical equipment. Positioning and lifting patients may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions

Work Environment: Registered Respiratory Therapists will perform in a work setting which may involve recurring exposure to infectious and contagious diseases. Work may involve exposure to chemical and noxious odors. Work may involve other risks which require special health and safety precautions as defined by safety standards.