Registered Respiratory Therapists 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 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 area of specialty. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Please select the response below, that represents how you meet the education requirement. 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). In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must also meet grade level requirements. Grade Determinations: GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist: Experience or Education, 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 In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11 dated March 12, 2021. Physical Requirements: a. Considerable walking/standing may be required. b. Frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling may be required when assisting with the transfer of patients or when moving equipment or supplies. c. Frequent, prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required. d. Manual dexterity and mobility are required. e. Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching may be necessary. f. Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required. g. Intermittent exertion is possible. h. Subject to interruptions and stress from multiple calls, patient needs and/or inquiries from others, whether in-person, on the telephone or via computer. i. Sound judgement and ability to function under stress is required. Inappropriate actions/judgment, especially those during emergency or crisis situations, may result in injury or death. ["The major duties of this position include: Area I: Disease Management: A. Management of Chronic Diseases 1. Understand the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbidities. 2. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. 3. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans to B. Management of Acute Diseases 1. Develop, administer, evaluate, and modify respiratory care plans in the acute-care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols, and clinical practice guidelines. 2. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. 3. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans. Area II: Evidence-Based Medicine and Respiratory Care Protocols: A. Evidence-Based Medicine 1. Retrieve credible sources of evidence. 2. Critique published research 3. Explain the meaning of general statistical tests. 4. Apply evidence-based medicine to clinical practice. B. Respiratory Care Protocols 1. Explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols. 2. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Area Ill: Patient Assessment: A. Patient Assessment 1. Complete the assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate and share the information with healthcare team members. 2. Obtain medical, surgical, and family history. 3. Obtain social, behavioral, and occupational history, and other historical information incident to the purpose of the current complaint. B. Diagnostic Data 1. Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. 2. Review chest X Rays. C. Physical Examination 1. Inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. 2. Measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate). 3. Evaluate patient breathing effort, ventilatory pattern, and use of accessory muscles. 4. Measure and document oxygen saturation with oximetry under all appropriate conditions (with or without oxygen at rest and during sleep, ambulation, and exercise). Area lV: Emergency and Critical Care: A. Emergency Care 1. Perform basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. 2. Maintain knowledge and skills necessary to retain certification as per associated guidelines as stated above. 3. Perform as a member of the rapid response team (medical emergency team). 4. Participate in mass-casualty staffing to provide airway management, manual and mechanical ventilatory life support, medical gas administration, aerosol delivery of bronchodilators and other agents in the resuscitation of respiratory and cardiovascular failure. 5. Manage monitoring system. 6. Manage airway devices. 7. Make treatment recommendations based on waveform graphics, pulmonary mechanics, and imaging studies. 8. Apply knowledge, and analysis of use of therapeutic medical gases. 9. Collaborate with other professionals in care management built upon evidence-based medicine and clinical protocols. 10. Deliver therapeutic interventions based on evidence-based medicine and clinical protocols. Area V: Assessment of Therapeutics: A. Assessment of Need for Therapy - Assesses the need for therapies in all patient settings. 1. Medical gas therapy 2. Humidity therapy 3. Aerosol therapy 4. Lung expansion therapy 5. Airway clearance therapy 6. Airway management 7. Mechanical ventilation B. Assessment Prior to Therapy 1. Review order and/or implement protocol. 2. Review patient history, laboratory results, and imaging data. 3. Determine indications/contraindications for therapy. 4. Interview and conduct physical examination of patient. 5. Determine appropriateness of order. 6. Determine need for physician intervention. C. Administration of Therapy 1. Select and assemble equipment. 2. Apply and administer therapy. 3. Monitor patient's response to therapy. 4. Instruct patient on proper technique. 5. Recognize and rectify equipment malfunction (troubleshooting). 6. Follow Standard Precautions for infection control. D. Evaluation of Therapy 1. Recognize complications and respond to adverse effects. 2. Recommend therapy modifications. 3. Assess therapy effectiveness. 4. Document therapy. Work Schedule: 7:00pm to 7:30am Compressed/Flexible: Yes Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91439-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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