In this position (Registered Respiratory Therapist), the incumbent works under the supervision of the Chief Respiratory Therapy Service, displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in Respiratory Care. The services are performed in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), and policies and procedures of Raymond G. Murphy Medical Center. 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. 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 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. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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: In addition to the basic requirements above, 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. (a) 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. Hold an active license and RRT credential. (b) 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-0601 Qualifications Standard dated March 12, 2021 Physical Requirements: Lifting of items of 45 pounds and over can be expected; reaching above shoulder; walking and standing for extended periods of time for up to 8 hours. ["The protocol and procedures are established for the treatment, management, evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. Duties include, but are not limited to: Accept and support the mission, vision, and values of Raymond G. Murphy Medical Center. Demonstrate ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of workload. Instruct patients, their families, nurses, physicians and other staff in the proper administration and technique of various and appropriate respiratory care equipment, procedure/policy or medication. Provide clear communication with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. Provide hemodynamic services to critically ill patients of the Medical and Surgical Intensive Care and, to a lesser degree, - provide noninvasive hemodynamic services to inpatients. Perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Provide specialized prophylaxis treatment of Pentamidine, requiring routine prophylaxis to prevent pneumocytis carinii pneumonia. Arterial blood gas puncture to obtain blood gas specimens for the evaluation and treatment of patients with compromised pulmonary systems. Point-Of_Care (POCT) i-Stat service to assist in the assessment, evaluation, treatment, and medical management of critically ill patients in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Analyze physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases (ABG's), pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, and other basic diagnostic procedures. Participate collaboratively and consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Provide therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with the use of medical gases and administration devices, humidification, and aerosols. Perform advance airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilations. Development and evaluation of new techniques and equipment to improve the quality of care and quality of the clinical investigation of seriously ill patients. Continue education to patients, their families, physician, nurses, and other allied health care personnel to enhance understanding of respiratory care devices and therapies. Document patient care and/or procedures performed in medical records, on worksheets, and/or in logs, as appropriate. Clean, check, and calibrate equipment used for respiratory care and diagnostic studies. Maintain workrooms, storage areas, and medical supply inventories. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 pm-6:30 am Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
