Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

Summary Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognize normal/abnormal results. They perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation. Qualifications All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge - Skill - and Ability (KSA) on a separate document. 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 CoARC or its successor Licensure: Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions 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 must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT 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 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: All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above and all qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment GS-12 - Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary): Experience, licensure and credential: Candidates must have one year of credible experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies and KSAs described: Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop plans to provide favorable patient outcomes Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management Hold an active license and RRT credential Certification: Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing Ability to establish a quality control program related to the pulmonary function laboratory Skill in analyzing physiologic specimens and information from basic diagnostic procedures Skill in assessing signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and/or testing procedures Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and/or testing procedures Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Duties Diagnosing, assessing, and providing patient care services to both inpatients and outpatients. Patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation. Develop skills through literature review of pulmonary medicine, including recognizing reproducibility of maneuvers and preliminary interpretation of diagnostic information. Contribute ideas, plans, and information to improve outpatient respiratory services. Administer routine and special pulmonary function testing. Adhere to established standards of practice and exercise sound clinical judgment. Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr