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 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
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/.
tamika.johnson1@va.gov · 334-272-4670 X34015
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $78972 – $102669/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-13.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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