Respiratory Therapy is a life-supporting, health care professional practice under qualified medical supervision. Respiratory care services, both diagnostic & therapeutic, are provided to patients with known or suspected disorders of the cardiopulmonary system. Respiratory Therapists assist in the diagnosis, monitoring & treatment of patients suffering from countless other disorders affecting either directly or indirectly the positive adjunctive devices that enable them to perform their tasks. 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. Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Grade Determinations: GS-05: Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Education and Licensure: This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential. GS-07: Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. GS-09: Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential: Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. 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. AND 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 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 11. Physical Requirements: Sight corrected to 20/20 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other. Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Occasional heavy lifting 45 pounds or greater. Moderate carrying 15-44 pounds. Pushing 1 hour Reaching above shoulder Repeated stooping Repeated bending Occasional kneeling Prolonged Standing and walking Two hands with acceptable dexterity Ability to sit in front of a computer screen for long periods of time. Possible exposure to body fluids is involved. Incumbent must possess or maintain a current unrestricted valid state driver's license. The physical requirement varies with work assignments. ["Duties & skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: They consult with physicians & other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. RRTs assess & evaluate patients to develop & recommend or implement complex care, using protocols in respiratory modalities, medications, advanced modes of ventilation, supplemental oxygen, & intubation. They select & adapt respiratory care procedures as may be required based on patient status, recognizing the differing developmental & treatment needs of patients of different ages. Specifically, the differing needs of the adult & geriatric patient populations served. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment as indicated based on assessment & analysis of patient response to treatment. Performs critical care patient management techniques such as, non-invasive, & invasive ventilation, intubation, airway management, hemodynamic calculations & any other patient related functions as deemed within the scope of practice of respiratory therapists & institutional policy. Medication delivery related to respiratory care, initiating & monitoring oxygen therapy. Lung function testing to include bedside, remote spirometry, & advanced pulmonary function testing in both inpatient & outpatient settings. Oxygen evaluations via SpO2 & arterial blood gases & analysis. Airway clearance therapies to include but not limited to manual percussion, chest vest, manual & mechanical cough assist, hyperinflation therapy & incentive spirometry. Obtain, interpret, & analyze physiological specimens & data, & communicates the results to the respective physician after analysis is complete as required. Assist with bronchoscopies to include bedside & advanced testing. Participates in care team rounds. Sleep diagnostics & therapies or other related treatments as may be indicated and/or ordered by a physician or other licensed independent practitioner & performed by respiratory care personnel, as per departmental procedures. Actively participates in the NORAM (non-operating room airway manager) training as provided by anesthesia services program. Performs bronchial hygiene, such as suctioning, & sputum sampling & induction as deemed necessary by personal observation and/or upon request by the physician or other licensed independent practitioner. RRTs participate as a member of the Code Blue team (resuscitation team), the Rapid Response Team (RRT), & Medical Assistance Team (MAT) as assigned. The respiratory therapist takes an active role in resuscitations & is responsible for airway management to include but not limited to endotracheal intubation or Laryngeal Mask Airway placement, oxygen delivery, ventilation, obtaining & analyzing arterial blood gas samples & any other care as may be required per institutional policy or departmental procedures in an emergency immediately & without prior physician notification. Provide outpatient services including but not limited to diagnostic testing for oxygen evaluation, home sleep testing & COPD case management. Manage or arrange delivery & set up of respiratory equipment such as home ventilators, sleep therapy equipment, oxygen therapy equipment, airway clearance devices, & COPD/ALS adjunct therapies. May need to perform home visits with patients receiving home respiratory equipment and/or oxygen, driving will be required. Provides instructions to the patient & his/her family regarding theory, operation, cleaning, & actual use of cardiopulmonary treatment modalities to include but not limited to home suction devices, home ventilators, cough assist & chest physiotherapy. Act as a liaison between veteran's & contracted vendors providing services, advocating for veterans, & ensuring prompt & appropriate delivery of services. Follows standard precautions to prevent spread of disease. Ensures that aseptic technique & standard precautions are always maintained. Cleans, sterilizes, & assembles all respiratory care equipment as may be required per manufacturer or departmental SOP. Performs routine adjustments as needed. Document appropriately per departmental SOP & facility standards on all current charting platforms. Provides education & instructions for physicians, students, & other health care disciplines in the proper utilization of respiratory care equipment & therapy. Assists with the orientation of new employees. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. Assists in the development of new standard operating procedures, medical center policies, or protocols. Participates in section competency programs & projects. All Respiratory Therapy Staff will be expected to cover all units, wards, & clinics, within ECHCS VAMC both inpatient & outpatient. Work Schedule:8:ooam-4:30pm, Monday-Friday Telework: Available, Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:54396-A, 54397-A, 51426-A, 51414-A"]

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