Registered Respiratory Therapist

Duties Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary care team in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive patient respiratory care services.
Acts as a full performance Registered Respiratory Therapist and resource to certified, novice, and developmental level respiratory therapists.
Demonstrates independence in the specialty of Respiratory Care and practices respiratory therapy according to guides set forth by professional standards by the AARC or NBRC.
Performs respiratory care utilizing evidence-based practices and references national guidelines.
Precepts and mentors' new hires and students for clinical development when needed within VHA.
Maintains and monitors ventilator patients as required per guidelines and make the necessary adjustments based on blood gas analysis with the physician's approval.
Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators, end tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen delivery devices, re- breathers, HFNC, IPV and pulse oximetry monitors.
Evaluates patients for fluid overload, recommends treatment modality via evidence based practices and takes physician verbal orders and transcribe appropriately.
Administers a variety of therapeutic respiratory medications in a timely and safe manner according to physician orders.
Assists physicians in placing advanced artificial airways into patients as required.
Initiates artificial ventilation using mouth-to-mask techniques or a manual ventilation bag to restore patient's heartbeat, maintain ventilation and stabilizes artificial airway.
Maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary.
Administers oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy via vest, flutter valve and PEP therapy.
Performs arterial gas blood sampling from radial and brachial sites utilizing heparin syringe for transport to the Lab for analysis or at bedside with EPOC and assesses for positive Allen's test prior to obtaining an ABG.
Collects, and interprets arterial, venous blood gas samples, and utilizes related respiratory guidelines to direct patient care.
Reports critical lab values to Physicians, makes the appropriate changes to patient care and correctly documents all values pertaining to arterial blood gases, electrolytes, venous gas and capillary blood gas samples in a timely manner.
Calculates respiratory diagnostics alveolar oxygen difference or index, dead space, and patient plateau pressure etc.
Assists with in house transportation of critically ill mechanical ventilated patients with artificial airways or unstable non-invasive patients classifying as high acuity in care.
Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists and nursing personnel relative to the types of treatments given, various types of medications used, and the set up and operation of respiratory equipment including the necessary cleaning and safety precautions.
Manages and calibrates complex respiratory mechanical equipment such as ventilators and analyzers to assure accurate performance.
Provides patient and family education.
Provides equipment set up and cleaning, intraoperative assistance, and processing of all clinical specimens in the performance of fiber optic bronchoscopies.
Assists physician in performing bronchoscopy procedures and labeling specimens after collection.
Performs pulmonary function studies and bed side diagnostics.
Collects Quality Improvement data via patient care audits for policy and procedural revisions.
Assists in delivering respiratory care as needed in the more complex respiratory care procedures and to poor risk patients such as those in the older age group.
Participates in the audit of respiratory care, recommending changes where indicated.
May provide care through outpatient services, such as Face to Face, TELE/VVC such as monitoring compliance, education on equipment setup/care and supply ordering for positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, oxygen therapy and routine COPD management.
Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care using hospital policies and procedures, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines.
Ensures that all respiratory medication is scanned according to VHA BCMA policy and procedures.
May float from normal work areas with the insurgence of patients to help prioritize and deliver safe clinical respiratory care practices.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800 to 1630 Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 612-00678-F Rocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.
S.
Citizen to apply for this job.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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 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.
Not at this level Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials.
An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment.
Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care.
Physical Requirements: TB/Immunization Assessment and Pre-employment physical 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).
Grandfathering Provision.
The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all hybrid title 38 qualification standards.
Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation.
Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education, credential or certification requirements that apply to this occupation.
All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education, credential or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation.
Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure, certification or registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure, certification or registration requirement before they can be promoted to those highergrade levels.
Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure, certification or registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in theoccupation.
If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.
S.
C.
7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation or employment with the VA, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation and/or VA.
GRADE REQUIREMENTS.
All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above and all basic qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment.
All positions must be designated in one of the approved title or parenthetical title, as described below and duties must meet the definition of the assignment: Grade Determinations.
In addition to the basic requirements for employment stated 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-11 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.
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.
Assignments.
This assignment is the full performance level.
RRTs at this 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.
They monitor critical systems.
They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services such as home ventilators and COPD case management.
RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment.
RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement.
They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff.
They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols.
References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11, Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-0601, 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-11.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to Moderately Lift and Carry 15-44 lbs.
; reach above shoulders; to use fingers, both eyes, have depth perception; distinguish different shades of color; ability to hear (hearing aids permitted).
Ability to access all patient care areas as required.
The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart respiratory equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator equipment.
The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures.
Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here: https://ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
Additional information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.
This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.
If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, resume, C.
V.
, and/or supporting documentation will be verified.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.
g.
, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.
g.
, professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.
g.
, on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume - Include: contact information; descriptions of jobs held, including the name and address of employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, average hours worked per week, and supervisor's name and phone number; education, including name and location of college, dates attended, and type and date of any degree earned; other information such as possession of licenses, certificates, etc.
Creditable Experience.
Keep in mind that experience is only creditable if credentialed as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or RRT, the experience is in respiratory care, pulmonary function testing or polysomnography and directly related to the position being filled.
To be creditable, the candidate's experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) associated with current practice in paid employment as a CRT or RRT.
Transcript - for completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor License - A full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.
Credential - a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT.
Upon graduation from an accredited program, RTs are eligible to take a national examination and upon passing, the individual is granted the credential of RRT by the NBRC.
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
The following documents are accepted, and required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License PCS Orders Proof of Marriage Status Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/05/2024 to receive consideration.
To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12256807.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.
usajobs.
gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.
The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.
You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information Marisella Souza Phone 925-356-4088 Email MARISELLA.
SOUZA@VA.
GOV Address VA Northern California Health Care System 10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 US Next steps Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.
After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.
All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.
Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.
HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.
HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume - Include: contact information; descriptions of jobs held, including the name and address of employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, average hours worked per week, and supervisor's name and phone number; education, including name and location of college, dates attended, and type and date of any degree earned; other information such as possession of licenses, certificates, etc.
Creditable Experience.
Keep in mind that experience is only creditable if credentialed as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or RRT, the experience is in respiratory care, pulmonary function testing or polysomnography and directly related to the position being filled.
To be creditable, the candidate's experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) associated with current practice in paid employment as a CRT or RRT.
Transcript - for completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor License - A full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.
Credential - a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT.
Upon graduation from an accredited program, RTs are eligible to take a national examination and upon passing, the individual is granted the credential of RRT by the NBRC.
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
The following documents are accepted, and required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License PCS Orders Proof of Marriage Status Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help This job is open to The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Clarification from the agency Open to US Citizens