Registered Respiratory Therapist

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is another title for a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP). The RRT is a specialized healthcare practitioner trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine to work therapeutically with patients suffering from chronic and acute critical conditions, cardiac, and pulmonary disease. "The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below."

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. Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below. VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. 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). 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). Please see 'Education' section for the Grandfathering provision. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: GS-05 Respiratory Therapist: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under paragraph 4d(1) above for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential. GS-07 Registered Respiratory Therapist: Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. GS-09 Registered Respiratory Therapist: Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist: 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. AND Hold an active license and RRT credential. 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. 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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: a. Considerable walking/standing may be required. b. Frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling may be required when moving equipment or supplies or other infrequent needs. c. Frequent, prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required. d. Manual dexterity and mobility are required. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures. e. Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching may be necessary. f. Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required. g. Intermittent exertion is possible. h. Subject to interruptions and stress from multiple calls, patient needs and/or inquiries from others, whether in-person, on the telephone or via computer. i. Sound judgement and ability to function under stress is required. Inappropriate actions/judgment, especially those during emergency or crisis situations, may result in injury or death.