Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

US Department of Veterans Affairs; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist (GS-12) to provide respiratory care in inpatient and outpatient settings. The role includes performing and interpreting complex pulmonary function tests, mentoring staff, and leading protocol development.

Qualified candidates possess a CoARC-accredited program and RPFT or CPFT credentials, with the ability to train others and consult clinically in advanced pulmonary procedures.

Qualifications

• One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-11.
• Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing, including CPET and metabolic testing.
• Ability to establish and maintain a quality control program for the PFT lab.
• Skill in analyzing physiologic specimens and data from diagnostic procedures.
• Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures.
• Ability to train staff in advanced PFT techniques.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, interpret, and analyze physiological data and specimens.
• Consult with physicians to ensure quality patient care in the PFT lab.
• Manage airway and ventilation using appropriate mechanical means.
• Assess and plan care, implement protocols, and monitor critical systems.
• Provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, and COPD care.

Skills

Complex PFT knowledge

Quality control program

Clinical consultation in PFT

Advanced PFT procedures training

Airway and ventilation management

Education

CoARC-accredited respiratory care program

Registered Respiratory Therapist credential (RPFT/CPFT)

Tools

PFT equipment knowledge

Cardiopulmonary stress testing

Job description

The full performance level of RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs at this grade level in this position compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognize normal/abnormal results. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures, or protocols. 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: GS - 12:

Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary) GS-12: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.

Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: responsible for the following under general guidance in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. RRTs obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. 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 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.

GS-12 Credentials: Possess a valid, current, unrestricted credential of Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for GS-12:

• Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing.
• Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab.
• Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures.
• Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures.
• Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures.
• Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures.
• Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures.

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-12.

Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs).