Registered Respiratory Therapist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Atlanta seeks a Registered Respiratory Therapist (GS-11). The RRT evaluates and manages patients with respiratory conditions, performs diagnostic procedures, and ensures appropriate oxygen therapy under the Pulmonary Medical Director.

Applicants must have a CoARC-accredited education program, an active RRT license/credential, and one year of qualifying experience. Grandfathering may apply for current VA staff.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed per VA policy.
• Education: respiratory care program accredited by CoARC or successor.
• Licensure: active state license to practice as an RRT.
• Credential: active RRT credential maintained during employment.
• Grandfathering provision may apply for current VA employees.
• Experience: one year of creditable experience at GS-09 or equivalent.
• KSAs: consult with physicians, evaluate therapy efficacies, and perform advanced airway management.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage patients with acute or chronic respiratory conditions.
• Perform physician-ordered cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures.
• Ensure appropriate oxygen therapy for patients.
• Operate, monitor, and adjust respiratory support hardware and modalities.

Skills

Collaborative care

Airway management

Therapy assessment

Education

CoARC-accredited respiratory care program

RRT credential (active)

Job description

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) works under the Medical Director of Pulmonary and collaborates closely with Pulmonologists to support patient care in the Medical Specialty Care Service. The RRT evaluates and manages patients with acute or chronic respiratory conditions, performs physician-ordered cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures, and ensures appropriate oxygen therapy. 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.
• 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).

Grade Determinations:

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11.

(a) 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.
• Hold an active license and RRT credential.

(b) 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.

Grade Determinations:

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 were 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 VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, both legs, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously both eyes, depth perception, and hearing (aid permitted). Environmental factors include radiant energy, working closely with others and working alone.