About this role

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.

Credential: 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 valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. 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.

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). Grade Determinations: GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist Experience Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Registered Respiratory Therapy field.

Qualifying GS-09 grade level experience includes, but is not limited to: obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data; consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means. Assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation.

Provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. Determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. AND; Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.

(b) Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities. (c) Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management. Preferred Experience: 1-3 years of Adult Critical Care experience and PFT experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position.

May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Source listing: usajobs