Registered Respiratory Therapist Job in Johnson City, TN

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Work is performed independently by full performance level RRTs under physician medical direction often without direct supervision;
• Perform work under the guidance of written provider orders. Orders are expected to be verified prior to administering the care, treatment or service.
• Has knowledge of a variety of related acute and chronic disorders and diseases, their effect on the lungs and heart, and the method of treatment.
• Clinically competent, self-motivated and able to work in an independent manner understanding their role not only as a member of the greater health care team, but also as an advanced therapist expected to perform at the full performance level.
• Understands their responsibilities to guide lesser experienced and lesser credentialed therapists to help them advance in their skills.
• The therapist will pro-actively stay abreast of current concepts in Respiratory Care.
• The therapist will have knowledge of changes over the life span of the patient and have the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status to identify each patient's requirements relative to age-specific needs.
• Has the ability to plan and conduct training sessions with, students, hospital staff to include physicians, other respiratory therapists, patients and caregivers/family members.
• Trained and skilled in utilizing proper techniques for obtaining, transporting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting arterial blood gas samples in a timely manner.
• Responsible for adhering to pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic guidelines to protect the integrity of the sample and ensure quality results.
• Trained and familiar with both blood gas/co-oximetry instrumentation and analysis, and able to perform required special testing for lab accreditation purposes.
• Primary responsibility is to help maintain a patent airway at all times for the patient.
• Trained and skilled in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care including but not limited to the initiation, patient education, performance, and documentation of various modes of therapy, including but not limited to side-arm nebulization, oxygen administration, humidification and aerosolization, chest percussion and postural drainage, coughing/deep breathing exercises, positive airway pressure therapy, airway secretion clearance devices, naso/endotracheal suctioning.
• Will have knowledge of the pharmacology of medications used in the delivery of respiratory care, common dosages, typical and atypical patient responses and side effects.
• Able to initially assess the patient using chart review, bedside assessment skills to include but not limited to auscultation, vital signs, review of chest x-ray, and pulse oximetry.
• Able to skillfully reevaluate the efficacies of therapeutic modalities by reassessing the patient utilizing arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, peak flow maneuvers, end tidal CO2, basic spirometry, other diagnostic procedures and bedside patient assessment skills.
• Under physician direction, the therapist will be responsible for initiating and maintaining both invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation to include the use of advanced modes of ventilation.
• Responsible for performing and documenting routine patient status / ventilator system checks at designated intervals according to policy. Ventilator checks are to include but are not limited to status of usage and current parameter settings as compared to current provider order, patient assessment, alarm settings, ordered ventilator changes, weaning parameters, spontaneous breathing trials, extubations, and any relevant information reflecting the care and/or treatment of the patient.
• Electronic data collection system (Clinicomp) will be utilized to capture ventilator settings and values in real time to ensure data is inside the electronic health record.
• Trained and familiar with all aspects of both invasive and non-invasive ventilators used in this facility, as well as trouble-shooting techniques.
• Able to assess ventilated patients via arterial blood gas analysis, monitor information, ventilator feedback, and bedside patient assessment skills to evaluate and effectively communicate respiratory status including complex respiratory cases to determine if current care plans seem appropriate and outcomes are being met.
• Provides clinical coordination of home PAP therapy and patient education related to the safe, effective use and maintenance of home PAP therapy devices.
• Provides clinical coordiation of home oxygen therapy and patient education related to safe, effective use of home oxygen therapy.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a trial period.
• 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

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 09/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12792421.

1. 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.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.