This represents the full performance level as a Registered Respiratory Therapists (GS-9). The therapist is an integral team member of the pulmonary team and performs technical operations for procedures in the Pulmonary Function Lab. The incumbent's primary role is performing Pulmonary Function Testing, maintaining the equipment, performing quality control and entering data results in the electronic medical record.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Instrument calibration. Spirometry with and without bronchodilator evaluation. Lung volume determination by helium dilution, nitrogen washout and/or body plethysmography. Diffusion by single breath and intrabreath methods. Calculate the results of the above pulmonary function tests. QA of Pulmonary Function Testing equipment and takes corrective action. Entry of Pulmonary Function Testing data and pulmonary physician interpretation into the electronic medical record. Performs initial home Oxygen testing and annual recertification. Perform pulmonary function and body plethysmography studies and based on patient's history, preliminary findings and diagnoses, the incumbent determines which test to give in order to provide the physician with the required information on the patient's condition. Interprets the results of these tests for accuracy and logic. Adjusts battery of tests on basis of results achieved. The incumbent is expected to modify Pulmonary Function testing routines, without specific orders, when observed physiological abnormalities warrant for the purpose of obtaining additional data or avoid injury to the patient. Incumbent reruns tests on own initiative and devises acceptable techniques to accommodate specific patient handicaps. Evaluates patient reaction and data, and makes decisions on what actions to take to remedy difficulties to improve accuracy of techniques or to control or compensate for adverse reactions. Fields telephone calls and messages from patients managed by the pulmonary physicians and communicate the information for the benefit of the patient's care. Modifies methods and procedures to fit a variety of complex and specialized electronic, manometric and biochemical instrumentation to provide data that leads to a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary disease, reflects indices of patient's response to The incumbent devises complex and new procedures, selects and adapts procedures and techniques to be used. Screens and triages pulmonary consults. Schedules clinic appointments and manages the patient workload per VA regulations. The incumbent is responsible for drawing and analyzing arterial blood samples and reporting the results per the ABG protocol. Accurately completes all clerical aspects of the job including entering all electronic and/or manual patient data in the patient's chart. Incumbent will use computer software applications specific to the PFT Lab and/or the VA system. Understands and follows the Standard Operating Policies (SOP) of the PFT lab. Due to the continual advancement of Pulmonary Function Technology, the incumbent will be required to perform new or other duties as assigned. Inspects and calibrates Respiratory Therapy equipment to ensure proper functioning. Works with Physicians and Nursing staff to ensure patient safety and comfort with focus on quality care and positive patient outcomes. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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). 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. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below. VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level. RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received. RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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 reentry to the occupation and/or VA. Grade Determinations: 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-09. Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, PART II, APPENDIX G11, March 12, 2021 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Education

Education: A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential.

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: http://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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address San Diego VA Medical Center 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 US
• Name: Charise Young
• Phone: 404-398-8281
• Email: [email protected]