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The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a member of the healthcare team in the Clinical Support Care Line at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, performing quality therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory care under the order of a healthcare provider with recognized prescribing authority. Under the supervision of the Chief of Respiratory Care Services, the incumbent displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in Respiratory Care. 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. 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. 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. Assignment: 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. 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; and 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 ["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 Philadelphia VAMC. Work Schedule: Part Time- 8 Hours Bi Weekly. 03:00pm-11:30pm (Every Other Saturday) Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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