The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for the Pulmonary Section serves primarily in the outpatient pulmonary services including the pulmonary function testing laboratory and bronchoscopy suite. The RRT performs diagnostic tests on patients to assess potential pulmonary conditions. These tests can include spirometry, diffusion testing, lung volumes, airway resistance, respiratory muscle forces, bronchial provocation testing, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. They perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. RRTs conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. They train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry. 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. Additional certification of CPFT or RPFT is desirable, but not required. Willingness to work towards obtaining CPFT or RPFT if not already certified. 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 Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidate must have: a. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. b. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. b. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab. c. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures. d. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. e. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. f. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures. g. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures. This vacancy is above the full performance level GS-12. Physical Requirements: All respiratory therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. The respiratory therapist is expected to be able to move, lift, bend, and stoop while performing duties with equipment, supplies, and patients. Respiratory therapists must demonstrate the ability to handle stressful, challenging situations in a positive manner. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. ["Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent performs a variety of activities regarding Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) in the pulmonary laboratory. This includes the operation, calibration, and maintenance of commonly used instruments such as computerized pulmonary function testing equipment, and oximeters. The incumbent is proficient in the execution of standardized pulmonary function tests such as forced and slow vital capacity, flow volume loops, measures of airway resistance, functional residual capacities, maximum voluntary ventilation. The incumbent is proficient in bronchoscopy support, and arterial blood gas draw. He / She operates exercise equipment (treadmill, bicycle ergometer). Performs and calculates diffusing capacity by steady state and single breath methods. Performs studies of lung mechanics, which Include the use of a body plethysmograph, sensitive pressure and flow recorders and multichannel electronic recorders for precise measurement of airway obstruction, thoracic gas volume, compliance, and other parameters. The Incumbent operates a computerized system for the measurement of lung volumes, air velocity indices, anatomic dead space, nitrogen washout curve, single breath nitrogen study for determination of closing volume. The incumbent checks off the status of the control point and keeps a constant check on the current balance. The incumbent is expected to have knowledge of the physiologic principle of each test, as well as the technical skills. He/she effectively instructs patients as to when and how to perform breathing exercises. He/she performs bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor for complications of this testing and initiate interventions prior to notifying the supervising Pulmonary Physician. Because of the complexity of the physiologic studies, the technician must become involved in all phases of the work so that he/she can not only perform the studies but also have a clear under standing of their significance to enable him/her to interpret and apply findings to the overall picture. The incumbent prepares and prints the results of PFTs for the clinician to interpret including performing an initial quality review of test results. The incumbent is expected to be in close communication with the clinicians if he/she estimates that a patient requires clinical attention. This includes notification of significant abnormal tests or need of additional studies. The incumbent should be proficient in recognizing if a patient requires immediate attention by a clinician. The incumbent should actively involve patient education while performing PFT-related duties. He/she must be able to perform existing procedures and to adapt to newer techniques, with minimal supervision. He/she must be able to perform calibration maintenance and minor repairs, accurately calculate and tabulate the results and maintain laboratory records and files. The incumbent is responsible for maintenance of expensive and delicate equipment and maintaining liaison with Supply Department, Biomedical Section, and vendors for necessary adjustments and repairs. The incumbent actively determines the need for new equipment and space. The incumbent orders supplies, equipment, and repairs. He/she must communicate with the Pulmonary Service leadership when there is a malfunction of equipment and be involved in the communication with other departments and/or contractors to coordinate repairs. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 30825F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Jamie Wunsch / Jamie.Wunsch@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
