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Summary The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served. Responsibilities Area I: Collection of Diagnostic Information A. Pulmonary Function Technology 1. Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. B. Invasive Diagnostic Procedures 1. Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post care of bronchoscopic procedures. 2. Describe the role of a respiratory therapist in diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures. 3. Monitor and evaluate the patient's clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices. Area II: 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. Assist in developing, administering, and re-evaluation of patient care plans. 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 III: Evidence-Based Medicine and Respiratory Care Protocols A. Evidence-Based Medicine 1. Retrieve credible sources of evidence. 2. 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 IV: 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 pulmonary function studies (spirometry) and pulse oximetry. 2. Review and interpret arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count, and related laboratory tests. 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. Area V: Leadership A. Knowledge of advanced practice skills in all aspects of respiratory care B. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization C. Skill in communicating data, policies, and regulations Area VI: 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 endotracheal intubation. Area VII: 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 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. C. Administration of Therapy 1. Select and assemble equipment. 2. Apply and administer therapy. 3. Monitor patient's response to therapy. D. Evaluation of Therapy 1. Recognize complications and respond to adverse effects. 2. Recommend therapy modifications. 3. Assess therapy effectiveness. Area VIII: Application of Therapeutics to Respiratory Care Practice A. Medical Gas Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to gas delivery systems in all patient settings 1. Evaluate compressed gas cylinders. 2. Evaluate regulators and flow meters. 3. Evaluate liquid-oxygen systems (stationary and portable). B. Humidity Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to humidity therapy systems in all patient settings. 1. Evaluate unheated passive humidifiers. 2. Evaluate active and passive heat-and-moisture exchangers (HMEs). C. Aerosol Therapy - Apply knowledge, understanding, and troubleshooting skills to aerosol systems in all patient settings. 1. Evaluate non-medicated, large-volume nebulizers, heated and unheated. 2. Evaluate for delivery of medication. 3. Evaluate nebulizers for continuous nebulization. Tour of duty: Variable Sun-Sat, 0730-2000; 1930-0800 Requirements 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. You may be required to serve a trial period. 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointments as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure. People 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. People 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. (1) 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 people 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. (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. 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. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential. 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide written notices to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder. 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). GRADE REQUIREMENTS. All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above in paragraph 4 a-g and all basic qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment. All positions must be designated in one of the approved titles or parenthetical title, as described below and duties must meet the definition of the assignment: GRADE DETERMINATIONS. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 3 above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11. (a) 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. 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 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. 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. Education 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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.