This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 30, 2022. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 30, 2022 with subsequent cut-off dates on the 15th of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. 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. Please select the response below, that represents how you meet the education requirement. 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. 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. 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: GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist: Experience or Education, 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 of the following KSA's: 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. Assignments. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, Part II, Appendix G11 dated March 12, 2021. Registered Respiratory Therapist The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, inpatient and outpatient. Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), straight pulling (4 hours), pushing (4 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (4-8 hours), standing (4-8 hours), kneeling (4 hours), repeated bending (4 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, 20/40 vision in each eye with or without correction, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted). ["This position is with the Atlanta VA Health Care System located in Pike County of the newly established Community Based Outpatient Center (CBOC)s. The Registered Respiratory Therapist performs all respiratory therapy procedures to inpatient and outpatient. The Registered Respiratory Therapist must demonstrate in delivering and improving care to the adult and geriatric population. As Registered Respiratory Therapist, the incumbent will perform the following duties: Perform basic spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results. Compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity, esophageal pressure, metabolic testing, and diaphragm stimulation) and be able to recognize normal/abnormal results. Explain results in relation to types of respiratory sleep disorders. Identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications, and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance, and post-care of bronchoscopy procedures. Monitor and evaluate the patient s clinical condition with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, exhaled gas analysis, and other related diagnostic devices. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. Develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans according to RCD policy. Explain the use of evidence-based medicine in the development and application of hospital- based respiratory care protocols. Evaluate and treat patients in a variety of settings, using the appropriate respiratory care protocols. Compare and evaluate the indications and contraindications for sleep studies. Communicate and educate to empower and engage patients. Inspect the chest and extremities to detect deformation, cyanosis, edema, clubbing, and other anomalies. Perform Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Work Schedule: Sunday-Saturday, 7:00pm-730am and 7:00am-7:30pm, holidays included. Subject to change based on Agency Needs.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #:51665F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]