The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is located in the Cardiopulmonary Department within the Butler VA Health Care Center's Diagnostic and Specialty Care Service. The incumbent provides clinical services to include the Health Care Center (HCC), Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (DRRTP), Community Living Center (CLC), and the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) and performs the full spectrum of respiratory therapy using complex respiratory equipment. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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). 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). 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 higher-grade 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 the occupation. 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 re-entry to the occupation and/or VA. Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of experience include but not limited to: Obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data. Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means. Assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation. Provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005 Appendix G11 ["Duties may include: Works independently providing respiratory care in both outpatient and/or inpatient settings. Performs a full range of respiratory therapy exams, including pulmonary function testing (PFT), sleep study screenings, Holter monitor set ups, EKGs, pulse oximetry. Uses data and patient assessment to establish an appropriate plan of care and to determine if outcomes are being met. Is continuously alert for changes in the patient's condition and any safety risks that may be present. Administers inhaled medications by various modalities, recognizing and responding appropriately to adverse reactions. Maintains knowledge of respiratory drugs, appropriateness of therapy, patient's response to therapy, adverse drug effects and proper drug dosage. Consults with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. Works with the medical providers and off-site pulmonologists to integrate care and provide case management. Determines oxygen consumption/carbon dioxide production, measures respiratory compliance, tidal volume and inspiratory force. Suggests alternate modes of treatment where indicated, based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. Provides education and instructions to patients on respiratory therapy equipment. Performs In-service training to nursing staff on respiratory testing, equipment and diseases. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; handwashing practices; and continuing education. Prepares reports of workload, errors, efficiency and quality for review with the Cardiopulmonary supervisor regularly and upon special request. Serves as preceptor to lower graded staff. Leads projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Maintains adequate stock and inventory of all clinic supplies and related materials. Completes electronic progress notes and other pertinent documentation and is compliant with documentation standards. Compliant with consult management and scheduling guidelines. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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