Registered Respiratory Therapist - Pulmonary

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC is seeking a GS-12 Registered Respiratory Therapist to evaluate indications for complex pulmonary function testing and support patient care through accurate testing and physician collaboration. The position requires an active RRT license, CPFT or RPFT certification, and completion of an accredited respiratory care program.

Primary duties include data-driven care planning, airway and ventilation management, and quality control of PFT

Qualifications

• Candidate must hold an active RRT license.
• RRT credential required for the duration of employment.
• CPFT or RPFT certification required.
• Experience with complex pulmonary function testing and related procedures.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate indications/contraindications for complex PFT and interpret results.
• Collaborate with physicians to support diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions.
• Utilize data and patient assessment to establish care plans and monitor outcomes.
• Maintain quality control and calibrate pulmonary function testing equipment.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Airway management

Pulmonary function testing

Ventilation management

Critical care monitoring

Education

Accredited respiratory care program

Job description

The primary purpose of this position at this grade level is to compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. The position supports diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions through accurate testing and collaboration with physicians.

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).

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information.
• 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.

Grade Determinations

GS-12 Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary)

Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level

Examples of duties at the GS-11 include, but are not limited to: Use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met; 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 using appropriate mechanical means; determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation; monitor critical systems; use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. 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.

License/Credential: Hold an active license and RRT credential.

Certification: Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing.
• Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing.
• Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing.
• Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data.
• Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring.

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-12.

Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily performed in environmentally controlled inpatient and outpatient care areas. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. Moving and lifting supplies, bending, stooping, and possible exposure to body fluid is involved.

This position has been evaluated as a Level 1 in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definition of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Level 1 positions in this category require the performance of tasks that are exposed to blood and potentially infectious body fluid.