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:

• 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
• 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
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11
• Experience, Licensure and Credential
• Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level
• And 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: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes
• Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities
• 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
• Preferred Experience: 3 Years Critical Care experience and 3 Years Pulmonary Function Testing with Quality Control experience preferred
• CPFT or RPFT highly preferred
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is at the GS-11 level
• Physical Requirements: 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.