• Job Description

  Req#: 743945700
  The Registered Respiratory Therapist position is located at West Palm Beach VAHS, Specialty Care Unit. Respiratory Therapy is a life-supporting, life-enhancing health care professional practice under qualified medical supervision. Respiratory care services, both diagnostic and therapeutic, are provided to patients with known or suspected disorders of the cardiopulmonary system.
  
  Duties
  
  
  Registered Respiratory Therapists at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. This RRT will be the Sleep Laboratory Program Coordinator.
  
  Major duties but not limited to:
  
  
  Requirements
  
  
  
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  
  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 Co ARC 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 (Proof of License Required)
  • 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. (Proof of Credential Required).
  Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12:
    • Experience, Licensure and Credential: Candidates must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level AND hold an active license and RRT credential. RRTs at the GS-11 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.
    • The following certifications are desirable but not required:
      a. CPFT,
      b. RPFT or
      c. RPSGT.
    • 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.
  
  References: VA Handbook 5005/141, PART II, APPENDIX G11. REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST, GS-0601, Veterans Health Administration, March 12, 2021.
  
  The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.
  
  Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Light lifting (under 15 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Light carrying (under 15 pounds); Pushing (some hours); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 4 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Kneeling (some hours); Repeated bending (some hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted)

• About the company

  The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a Cabinet-level executive branch department of the federal government charged with integrating life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans at the 1700 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country.

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