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Registered Respiratory Therapist (Intermittent)

Veterans Health Administration | Aspinwall, PA

Posted Date 3/18/2024
Description The intermittent therapist works within the Critical Care Service Line of the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System. The therapist is responsible for providing all ordered modalities of care as outlined in the Respiratory Therapy Section Policy and Procedure manual. It is required that therapists be registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or possess a certificate from another body which the NBRC recognizes as its credentialing equivalent.
GS11: Registered Respiratory Therapists at this grade level include, but are not limited to, the following activities performed in accordance with valid orders or under established protocols in both the inpatient and outpatient settings:
  • Equipment selection and setup to appropriately provide care ordered by physician or protocol.
  • Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with the use of medical gases and administration devices, humidification and aerosols.
  • Administration of medication to the cardiopulmonary system.
  • Transport of patients to and from areas for special procedures on oxygen, BiPAP, or transport ventilators.
  • Verification of all orders before implementation.
  • Discontinuation or exchange of all equipment, and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in accordance with VHA Directives and facility and department policies.
  • Maintenance of natural and artificial airways as necessary, including endotracheal suctioning, oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal suctioning, sputum induction, tracheal lavage, and securing of nasal or oral endotracheal tubes or tracheostomies.
  • Ventilatory support, including initiation, maintenance, and management of life support systems, and the patient/ventilator interface.
  • Bedside training of physicians-in-training and medical residents through patient contacts, discussions, consultations.
  • Monitoring patient status as appropriate via arterial blood gases, chest auscultation, review of x-ray studies, clinical observation.
  • Various other duties as assigned. The RRT practices professionally; must be reliable, able to work independently, and be self-motivated. The RRT is responsible for performing job duties in accordance with mission, vision, and values of the facility.
Work Schedule: Intermittent, work available on all shifts, Monday-Friday; Weekend and Holidays (4-12 hour shifts)
Compressed/Flexible:Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not requiredBasic 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:
  • RRT (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. Examples of experience include: obtaining, interpreting, and analyzing physiological specimens and data. Consulting with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within the area of specialty. Managing and maintaining the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means. Assessing and evaluating patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care. Providing 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 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11

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: 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, repositioning, safely moving patients, medium lifting, 35 lbs. and under and with assistance, as needed; pushing or pulling heavy objects (over 50 lbs.) such as oxygen tanks and/or ventilator equipment, routinely lifting and carrying small equipment items (less than 50lbs). The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures.
Salary82,602.00 - 107,380.00 Annual

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