Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Qualifications Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Candidates 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. 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. Temporary appointments: VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for an RRT credential. Individuals who have completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor and have 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 38U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from the 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. 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. RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. English language proficiency: RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient‑care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38U.S.C. § 7403(f). GS‑11 Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) 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. Clinical competencies include: Obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. Consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within the area of specialty. Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means. Assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend interventions and develop and implement a plan of care (e.g., protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and using advanced modes of ventilation). Provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities: In addition to the above requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs: Collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans that yield favorable patient outcomes. Evaluate the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. Perform advanced airway and ventilation management. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11. 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. Responsibilities depend on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish an 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 the 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 (e.g., protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen, intubation). They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services (e.g., 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. Physical requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Duties The incumbent serves as a member of the Respiratory Therapy Section at the VISN1 VA Healthcare System. The Respiratory Therapy subsection is responsible for providing the full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care. The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of respiratory care. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect current trends within the field of respiratory therapy and to meet the cardio‑pulmonary needs of the patients served. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Mechanical Ventilation Management – CPAP/BiPAP ventilation; Administration of aerosolized medication; Bronchial hygiene; Airway management; Oxygen therapy; Aerosol therapy. Diagnostic testing such as bedside spirometry, EKGs, pulse oximetry. Assist pulmonologist in therapeutic bronchoscopy procedures, arterial blood gas sampling, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Perform home oxygen evaluations, pulmonary function testing (PFT), bronchial provocation testing (methacholine challenge), cardiopulmonary exercise testing, home CPAP/BiPAP set‑ups with compliance checks, mask fitting and dispensing, patient education, and basic maintenance. Assess patients by history, pulmonary physical assessment, and chart review before the start of therapy. Document changes in these findings during therapy and results of therapy. Utilize knowledge of medication use in respiratory therapy and observe patients for desired and adverse effects of those medications. Set up and monitor respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators, end‑tidal CO₂ monitors, oxygen delivery devices, and oximetry monitors. Perform routine respiratory therapy treatment in hospitals, including administering oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, and chest physical therapy. Obtain sputum specimens by induction as ordered. Educate patients in all aspects of respiratory care pertinent to the individual patient, according to the patient's or family’s ability to assimilate information. Work schedule: Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with every other weekend 7:00 am to 7:30 pm. Telework: Not available; this is not a virtual position. Benefits Pay: competitive salary with regular increases and potential higher step rate after consideration of unique qualifications. Paid time off: 37–50 days of annual paid time per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Parental leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment. Childcare subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a subsidy up to 25 % of eligible childcare costs (maximum $416.66 per month). Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % employer contribution. Veterans’ preference: Does not apply for internal or other current permanent federal agency employees. Other Information This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit. This position is on a special salary rate and in the Excepted Service. Current and former federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF‑50 (Notice of Personnel Action) not more than one year old. #J-18808-Ljbffr