BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualifying specialized experience must have demonstrated a knowledge of basic equipment used in respiratory therapy and included duties such as:Making regular rounds on hospital nursing units to review or collect clinical data to insure that the respiratory equipment is operating properly and in compliance with physicians orders.
Transporting, setting up, or testing the operation of and changing simple oxygen administering devices, e.g., masks and nasal cannulas with cylinder or centralized medical gas systems.
Disassembling, cleaning, assembling, and sterilizing reusable respiratory equipment such as oxygen analyzers and regulators, including recognizing and reporting variations from expected results.
Examples of qualifying experience include work as a practical nurse, nursing assistant, medical machine aid, medical technician, or respiratory therapy aid if the above duties were performed.
Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0600/respiratory-therapist-series-0651/
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
FOR GS-07: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 or other equivalent pay systems. Specialized experience must have demonstrated a knowledge of basic equipment used in respiratory therapy and must include making regular rounds on hospital nursing units to review or collect clinical data to insure that the respiratory equipment is operating properly and in compliance with physicians orders. Transporting, setting up, or testing the operation of and changing simple oxygen administering devices, e.g., masks and nasal cannulas with cylinder or centralized medical gas systems. Disassembling, cleaning, assembling, and sterilizing reusable respiratory equipment such as oxygen analyzers and regulators, including recognizing and reporting variations from expected results. Working as a practical nurse, nursing assistant, medical machine aid, medical technician or respiratory therapy aid if the above duties were performed.
FOR GS-08: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 or other equivalent pay systems. Specialized experience must have demonstrated ability to work independently in critical care units, emergency rooms and the inpatient wards, providing highly skilled respiratory care to adult, pediatric, neonatal and geriatric critically ill patients. Performs assessments of patients through examination (including auscultation), analysis of laboratory results and interpretation of x-rays for the independent adjustment of ventilator setting and other oxygen modalities. Performs assessment of cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination, respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment. Assembles, calibrates, monitors, and adjusts a variety of respiratory equipment including computerized ventilator life support systems on patients in the intensive care unit, trauma/emergency room and the inpatient wards.
Click on the following link to view the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support position:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-TECH
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of complex principles procedures and techniques of respiratory therapy to perform assignments involving a variety of acute and chronic respiratory disorders including the appropriate methods of treatment.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology covering the basic location and function of the major organs and structures of the respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal systems of the human body as they relate to respiration.
3. Knowledge of chemistry and physics, including a basic understanding of the various principles of gas laws, humidity, temperature and pressures and an understanding of the properties of acids and bases.
4. Knowledge of respiratory pharmacology including the classification the drugs interaction, patient responses, common dosages and the methods of administration.
5. Skill in setting up and operating a wide variety of respiratory equipment and knowledge of the operating characteristics, capabilities and limitations to include arterial blood gas instruments.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Position may be subject to random drug testing
- Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
- Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
- Employee must maintain current certifications
- Position may require an appropriate security clearance
