Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary Registered Respiratory Therapist position located in the Nursing - Operations department at the Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center in Leeds, MA. This full‑time day‑shift position requires 40 working hours per week and includes regular travel (25%) between Leeds and Springfield facilities to meet the needs of the Nursing - Operations Service. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all mandatory requirements are met. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy 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: 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 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: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS‑09 level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level Hold an active license and RRT credential Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA’s: 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 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 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: Over one year of experience providing outpatient Respiratory therapy to patients – including assessment, treatment planning, and implementation of therapeutic modalities in a clinical setting Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11 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 VISN 1 VA Healthcare System The Respiratory Therapy subsection is responsible for providing the full range of clinical procedures related to respiratory care 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 Use data and patient assessment to establish an appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met 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 using appropriate mechanical means Determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen, and intubation Monitor critical systems Use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services such as home ventilators and COPD case management 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 Serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff May lead projects developing new policies, procedures, or protocols 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 Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with regular travel (25%) between Springfield and Leeds facilities to meet the needs of the Nursing – Operations Service Telework: Not available on a regular or recurring basis – situational telework only Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: F02865 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr