Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary The James A Haley VA Healthcare System is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join the Medicine and Respiratory Care service. The role is characterized by a high degree of autonomy and technical expertise - as the incumbent will be responsible for a broad scope of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in both acute and post‑acute care settings. Qualifications 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 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) Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor Licensure: Licensing within the respiratory occupation is outside of the credentialing process; those who have obtained their degree from an accredited program in respiratory care and hold a CRT or RRT credential may be granted a license from a state Credential: In the field of respiratory care there are two types of credentials: CRT and RRT. Upon graduation from an accredited program, Respiratory Therapists (RT) eligible to take a national examination; upon passing, granted the credential of CRT by the NBRC. RTs with a CRT credential are limited in duties and responsibilities compared to those with an RRT credential; upon graduation, RTs eligible to take the exam and upon passing granted the credential of RRT by NBRC Grandfathering Provision: 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 for employment, 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 (Full Performance Level) Experience – Licensure and Credential Experience: 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: candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: ability to collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care and develop care plans; skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities; skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management Preferred Experience: Ventilator/C‑pap/Sleep/COPD/Home Oxygen/Outpatient Clinic/Home Care/Tele Health Staff will rotate On‑Call for coverage while office is closed on a fair and equitable basis All affected employees tour of duty would be adjusted for the purpose of orientation, development, and evaluation Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11 Physical Requirements: See VA HANDBOOK 5005/141 Duties Major duties: perform as a member of the medical emergency/rapid response team, providing airway management and manual/mechanical ventilatory life support; Execute complex tasks such as endotracheal intubation, arterial and venous sampling, and arterial line placement/management; Conduct and interpret basic and advanced pulmonary function tests, including plethysmography, diffusion capacity, and metabolic testing; Identify indications and hazards while providing clinical monitoring and role‑specific support during diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures; Manage monitoring systems and airway devices, making treatment recommendations based on waveform graphics and pulmonary mechanics; Select, assemble, and administer medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, and mechanical ventilation while monitoring patient response; Evaluate the home environment for safety and appropriateness of prescribed therapy, including oxygen safety and electrical hazard identification; Educate and empower patients regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases like asthma and COPD; Serve as a liaison between the respiratory department and other clinical services (nursing–administration) to coordinate facility goals; Explain and apply evidence‑based medicine in the development of hospital‑based respiratory care protocols and orientation programs; Maintain statistical and patient data, complete retrospective audits, and advise leadership on policy implications and equipment needs; Recognize and rectify equipment malfunctions, evaluate the effectiveness of various delivery systems like oxygen concentrators and blenders; Perform comprehensive assessments through chart reviews and direct contact to obtain medical‑surgical‑and‑social histories; Work schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8‑12 hrs; rotating tour and weekend; telework: Not available; virtual: not a virtual position; Functional Statement #: 41760F; Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized; Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr