Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) works under the Medical Director of Pulmonary and collaborates closely with Pulmonologists to support patient care in the Medical Specialty Care Service. The RRT evaluates and manages patients with acute or chronic respiratory conditions, performs physician-ordered cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures, and ensures appropriate oxygen therapy.

Duties

Duties include, however, not limited to: 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. Administration of mixed gases (e.g., nitric oxide mix, others as implemented per policy). 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. Weaning and removal of ventilator support, with appropriate monitoring of patient and assessment of ability to maintain reliable spontaneous ventilation. Bronchopulmonary drainage and breathing exercises. Assurance of proper performance of all respiratory equipment used in patient care. Assistance with bronchoscopy as needed, once oriented. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Participation in Rapid Response Team (RRT) and medical emergencies throughout facilities. Assistance with insertion and maintenance of artificial airways including but not limited to endotracheal tubes (ET) and intubating laryngotracheal mask (ILMA) airways. Arterial punctures and arterial line draws. Blood gas analysis and associated quality control procedures, performed in accordance with qualification and performance guidelines developed by the College of American Pathologists and The Joint Commission. Notification of physician regarding abnormal results and the need for associated action relative to the patient's ventilatory and oxygenation status. Documentation of notification of critical values to appropriate care providers. Patient/family education. Collaboration/consultation with attending physicians, residents, fellows, interns, PAs, Nurse Practitioners, other hospital staff. Recognition of the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk. Home oxygen evaluations. Appropriate, accurate and complete documentation for all services. Complete and detailed report of shift occurrences and patients' status for oncoming staff. Various other duties as assigned. 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 Joseph Maxwell Atlanta VAHCS. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm (Work subject to change based on agency needs). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51665F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/13/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13077648. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Unrestricted credential of RRT Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Unrestricted credential of RRT PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.