Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) functions within the Respiratory Therapy department and provides basic and acute respiratory care in all areas of the hospital, including the critical care units, as prescribed by a provider. The work involves performing a variety of non‑routine or specialized respiratory therapy procedures per established policies and practices. 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 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. 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 GS‑11 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS‑09 grade 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, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience Previous charge therapist and ICU experience is preferred but not required. Physical Requirements Heavy lifting (45lbs. and over) Moderate carrying (15‑44lbs) Pushing; straight pulling; pulling hand over hand Reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required Walking (up to 6hours); standing (up to 6hours); kneeling (intermittent); repeated bending (up to 6hours); both legs required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other Ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted) Emotional and mental stability The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11. 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). #J-18808-Ljbffr