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The following are the requirements for appointment and advancement as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-0601, in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). RRTs in VHA perform or supervise work concerned with administering respiratory care and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies, diseases and abnormalities. 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 38U.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. Certification: Certificate as an RRT from the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) and a registry number, OR a certificate from another body which the NBRC recognizes as its credentialing equivalent. This includes registration based on either (1) Having fulfilled the requirements and passed the registry examination administered by the NBRC since 1983, OR (2) Having fulfilled the requirements and passed the registry examination for a registered inhalation or respiratory therapist administered by the National Board for Respiratory Therapy from July 1974 through 1982 OR American Registry of Inhalation Therapists from 1961 through June 1974 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 meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met: To qualify for the GS-12 grade, you must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade in the federal government (GS-11). SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: To qualify for the GS-12 grade, you must possess one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade in the federal government (GS-11), demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Creditable Experience. Experience is only creditable if credentialed as a RRT, the experience is in respiratory care, pulmonary function testing or polysomnography and directly related to the position being filled. To be creditable, the candidate's experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) associated with current practice in paid employment as a RRT. Examples of creditable experience may include: to obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data; consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty; manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means; assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation; and provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment. Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters. Skill in scoring data both during and post diagnostic testing. Skill in analyzing data both during and post diagnostic testing. Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing. Skill in the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation and adverse responses. References: VA Handbook 5005/141, PART II, APPENDIX G11The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 LBS). ["RRTs at this grade level in this position perform polysomnographic testing and titration studies including activities such as applying electrodes and various monitors to multiple body sites per protocol. They evaluate the relationship of events, sleep stages and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. They anticipate problems likely to occur during the sleep study, prepares for such situations and makes changes in established procedures. They obtain data measuring wake, sleep and breathing states and records various signals from the brain and airways, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation and position to enable the physician to assess and diagnose sleep and breathing disorders. RRTs troubleshoot and calibrate polysomnography, computer, oximeters, movement monitors and patient electrodes prior to the onset of each recording. They analyze and score patient data and summarize on report for physician interpretation. They monitor and initiate interventions for complications of testing and determines whether patient meets criteria for termination of testing. They perform electroencephalogram and home sleep testing and evaluate results. Work Schedule: Full Time, Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm\nCompressed/Flexible: Telework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]