Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at this grade 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 their area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. Qualifications United States Citizenship : 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 state license 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 and unrestricted RRT credential 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) Grade Determinations : Candidates must meet all KSA requirements for GS‑11, including one year of credible experience equivalent to the GS‑09 level with clinical competencies described at that level Hold an active license and RRT credential Demonstrate the KSAs for collaborative consultation, evaluation of therapeutic modalities, and advanced airway and ventilation management Reference : For more information on this qualification standard – please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11. The actual grade for selection is GS‑11 Physical Requirements : Considerable walking/standing, frequent lifting/positioning/pushing or pulling of equipment, prolonged sitting, manual dexterity and mobility, ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds, intermittent exertion, and sound judgment under stress. Inappropriate actions or judgment may result in injury or death. Duties Administer assisted and controlled ventilation to patients with tracheotomies and other complex medical problems, adjusting ventilator parameters as needed Administer and monitor advanced ventilator techniques such as PEEP and CPAP Develop plans for weaning patients from ventilators Assess respiratory status using physical observation and clinical analysis of blood gas data, chest x‑rays, and ECG to determine therapy effectiveness and provide physician recommendations Perform difficult respiratory procedures to maintain ventilation—including endotracheal intubation, tracheal lavage, and tracheotomy care Provide in‑service training to others in specialized areas of respiratory care Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform complex respiratory procedures with minimal supervision Participate with physicians, nurses and other staff in planning respiratory treatment, relying heavily on equipment knowledge Serve as shift leader, supervisor, or sole responsible respiratory therapist on a shift Plan and conduct training sessions with respiratory therapy students, hospital staff, patients and family members Lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols Work Schedule : Monday–Sunday, weekends and holidays, night shift 7 pm–7:30 am. Compressed/Flexible: Available. Telework: No. Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: FS 512‑25537‑F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr