This Registered Respiratory Therapist position is in Medical service at the VA Maine Medical Center, located at the Augusta, Maine location.
Duties include, but are not limited to: Administers a variety of therapeutic respiratory therapy treatments. Sets up and monitors respiratory equipment such as invasive and noninvasive ventilators, end tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen delivery devices, re-breathers and oximetry monitors. Performs bedside diagnostic tests to assess the respiratory status of patients.
Under general guidance performs Advanced Airway placement of LMA placement or may assist physicians and full performance RRT's in placing more advanced artificial airways into patients as required. Under guidance, during cardiac arrests, initiates artificial ventilation using mouth-to-mask techniques or a manual ventilation bag to restore patient's heartbeat and maintain ventilation.
During transport of patients, maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary. Performs routine respiratory therapy treatment to hospital ward patients such as administering oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, and incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy.
Provides in-service training to other respiratory therapists and nursing personnel relative to the types of treatments given, various types of medications used, and the set up and operation of respiratory equipment including the necessary cleaning and safety precautions. Calibrates complex respiratory equipment under guidance such as PFT analyzers to assure accurate performance. Records treatment, findings and progress pertinent to patient care.
Ensures that reports and procedures are processed and returned to the requesting physician on a timely basis. Ensures that all machines and equipment are in good condition and are in compliance with all safety codes. The therapists will report any problems immediately. Distribute tanks to various clinical areas as needed. Collect empty tanks and return to the designated storage room. Daily updates the tank level logs to reflect the number of empty and full tanks in stock.
In addition to the technical duties, the incumbent is responsible for the following functions: Orders and maintains a proper level of supplies. Ensures that reports and procedures are processed and returned to the requesting physician on a timely basis. Ensures that all machines and equipment are in good condition and are in compliance with all safety codes. Report any problems immediately.
Evening shift therapists will also perform the following: Monitor and maintain adequate levels of oxygen tanks in at least the Special Care Unit, the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, the medical/surgical wards, Emergency Department and the Nursing Home Care Unit. Distribute tanks to various clinical areas as needed. Collect empty tanks and return to the designated storage room. Updates the tank level logs to reflect the number of empty and full tanks in stock.
Performs all other duties as assigned. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Shift Varies Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Registered Respiratory Therapist/PDF02865 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Notifications: This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is an AFGE Bargaining Unit position. The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.
Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment. Current and former federal employees may submit copies of their most recent SF-50, Notice of Personnel Action. The SF-50 should include details such as the position title, series, grade, step, tenure, and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
In certain instances, multiple SF-50 forms may be necessary to demonstrate a higher grade previously held.
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/.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $74678 – $97087/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-15.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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