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) & 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 ineligible to apply.

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Duties

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The Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for independently administering complex respiratory therapy treatment to ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. The respiratory therapist uses judgment in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures, equipment, and techniques for application to specific cases. The therapist identifies and analyzes factors related to equipment operation and patient responses to discern their interrelationship.

Major Duties Include but are not limited to:

• Consult literature on a regular basis (e.g. AARC Times, Respiratory Care, etc.) to stay acquainted with alternative modes of therapy and keep technically up to date.
• Cleans, sets up, and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as oxygen equipment, mechanical ventilators, CPAP/BIPAP machine, and therapeutic gas administration apparatus for critical care patients.
• Follows all respiratory care Sputum Collection for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB), Rapid Response Team (RRT), and ventilator wearing protocols to include Bronchodilator Therapy Protocol and Oxygen Protocols.
• Performs diagnostic tests to include arterial blood gas analysis, spirometry, pulse oximetry, weaning parameters, peak flow, end tidal C02, metabolic, and negative inspiratory force.
• Performs or assists with bedside bronchoscopies to include right BALs as ordered by a pulmonary physician.
• Performs all respiratory care procedures throughout the medical center, to include sputum collection for AFB, therapeutic aerosols, metered dose inhalers, oxygen therapy, chest physical therapy, and breathing exercises.
• Evaluates efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
• Initially and continuously assess the cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination and respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment.
• Administers oxygen involving the use of variety of standard respiratory equipment to include low flow and high flow systems.
• Performs airway and tube care on patients including nasotracheal and endotracheal suctioning, cleaning and securing the tracheostomy and endotracheal tube and site, changing endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes per physician's order, monitoring tube cuff pressure, and inspecting equipment and patient to ensure proper functioning of the ventilator.
• Provides patient education for inpatients, outpatients, and home care pulmonary rehabilitation to include such things as respiratory therapy equipment, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD), chest physiotherapy and/or postural drainage, breathing exercise, metered dose inhaler treatments, nebulizer treatments, suctioning, peak flows, arterial blood gases, oxygen therapy, and other mucus clearing clearance devices such as PEP therapy and Flutter valves, etc.
• Performs advanced ventilatory management.
• Maintains ACLS and BLS provider status with appropriate certifications.
• Obtains blood gas samples from patients through arterial punctures or from arterial catheters. Analyzes, interprets, and reports blood gas results.
• Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists, nursing service personnel, physicians, and students relative to respiratory care.
• Demonstrates appropriate verbal and written communication skills in interaction with patients, staff, and visitors.
• Communicates with Supervisor (or Shift Leader in Supervisor's absence) any changes or fluctuations in assignments.
• Inspects, cleans, tests, and properly calibrates respiratory therapy equipment, according to policy and procedure, to ensure equipment functioning safely and efficiently, placing work orders for repairs when necessary.
• Records treatment, findings, assessments, and patient education and progress notes in CPRS and CliniComp.
• Assists with smoking cessation, home oxygen or ventilator assessment/visits, patient transports, and continued quality improvement.
• Actively participates in multidisciplinary team meetings to include team meetings in MICU/SICU, and physician rounds in the intensive care units.
• Works as part of the team of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
• Attends all mandatory training in-services as directed by the supervisor or Medical Center.
• Serves as shift leader in the absence of the supervisor.
• Provide coverage, as needed in outpatient clinics (PFT, CPAP HST)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule : 3:30 pm - 12:00 am, 11:30 pm - 8:00 am, rotating

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 21R77-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact View email address on click.appcast.io, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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 :

• 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 Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its successor.
• Licensure . Persons appointed or reassigned to Registered Respiratory Therapist (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 as provided below. (a) VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, 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 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from 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. 5 (b) 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. (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. (d) Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Credential . In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment.
• Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials. An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care.
• Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
• 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).

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).

Grandfathering Provision.

(1) Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation. (2) Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (3) Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure, certification or registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure, certification or registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (4) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure, certification or registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (6) If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation or employment with the VA, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation and/or VA.

Grade Determinations :

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07.

Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

i. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.

ii. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures.

iii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes.

iv. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.

v. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09.

Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential.

Candidates must have:

i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level;

OR

ii. A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

i. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.

ii. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.

iii. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.

iv. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11.

Experience, Licensure and Credential.

Candidates must have:

i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.

ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.

ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.

iii. Skill in performing 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 at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts are required at the time of application.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.