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. 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). Grade Determinations: 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 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.