Registered Respiratory Therapist

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Reviews collects and evaluates relevant clinical data.
• Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment.
• Communicates orally and in writing changes adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team members. Provides effective education and training to patients students and co-workers as appropriate.
• Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Examples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture blood gas analysis pulmonary function testing bronchoscopy assistance pulmonary rehabilitation endotracheal intubation oxygen administration etc.
• Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines.
• Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Telework: Ad-hoc telework available at the discretion of the agency.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:91186A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• Incidental Driver -This position is considered an incidental driver. A current valid state-issued Drivers License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested you will be required to provide a copy of your current valid state-issued Drivers License. A clean driving record report from the DMV and a copy of your drivers license will be required during the online onboarding process.
• 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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs in writing the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential; 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and 3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder.

• 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.
• 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).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 3 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.
• 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.

Preferred Experience: None

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: May require moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.); straight pulling; pushing; reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking; standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to distinguish shades of color; emotional and mental stability; hearing (aid permitted). 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; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator equipment.