Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Respiratory Therapy | Non-Exempt - PRN

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at UNC Health Appalachian, you will provide essential respiratory care to patients across a variety of clinical settings and levels of acuity. From general respiratory therapy to critical care and emergency interventions, you’ll use your clinical expertise to support patients with complex cardiopulmonary needs while working closely with physicians, nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team.

This role is ideal for a respiratory therapist who enjoys a diverse clinical practice and wants to maintain a broad skill set. You’ll have the opportunity to manage mechanical ventilation, provide advanced airway support, perform diagnostic testing, and respond to changes in patient condition—all while making a meaningful difference for patients and families.

Compensation: Based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity

Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Applicable benefits for PRN status will begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

What You’ll Do as a Registered Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Care & Therapy

• Provide respiratory care to patients across the populations served, including both general and critical respiratory therapy.

• Administer oxygen therapy and inhaled medications in accordance with established treatment plans.

• Perform lung expansion therapy and bronchial hygiene procedures.

• Assess patient response to respiratory treatments and communicate changes or concerns to the appropriate members of the care team.

• Deliver safe and effective respiratory care within the scope of licensure, certification, and UNC Health Appalachian policies and procedures.

Airway Management & Critical Care

• Perform airway maintenance and provide respiratory support for patients with acute and complex cardiopulmonary needs.

• Manage mechanical ventilation and troubleshoot ventilators and associated critical care equipment.

• Perform endotracheal intubation within established scope, competency, and organizational requirements.

• Perform tracheostomy tube maintenance and airway suctioning.

• Respond quickly and appropriately to respiratory emergencies, changes in patient condition, and other urgent clinical situations.

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other clinical team members to support timely and effective patient care.

Diagnostic & Cardiopulmonary Testing

• Perform arterial punctures for arterial blood gas (ABG) collection.

• Perform blood gas analysis and maintain required quality controls, equipment maintenance, and associated records.

• Perform electrocardiograms (ECGs/EKGs).

• Perform cardiac stress testing in accordance with established procedures and validated competency.

• Complete required training and demonstrate competency in applicable diagnostic and technical procedures, including Cardiac Stress Testing, Endotracheal Intubation, Neurology Testing, Pulmonary Function Testing, Blood Gas Lab, Arterial Catheterization, and Electrocardiogram procedures.

Patient Experience, Quality, & Teamwork

• Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, families, visitors, physicians, coworkers, leadership, and other members of the healthcare team.

• Provide care in a manner that respects the dignity, worth, and individual needs of each patient.

• Support exceptional outcomes related to patient experience, clinical quality, and patient safety.

• Maintain positive and professional working relationships across disciplines and departments.

• Assist coworkers, patients, families, and visitors when appropriate and within the scope of practice and licensure.

• Demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, accountability, and effective communication in all aspects of the role.

• Follow UNC Health Appalachian policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, standards of behavior, and applicable professional standards.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Graduate of an accredited two-year Respiratory Therapy program

Experience

• One (1) year of previous respiratory therapy experience in an acute care setting preferred

Licensure & Certifications

• Registry with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) or registry eligible in accordance with NBRC standards

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association is required within one (1) year of hire

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Heart Association is required within one (1) year of hire

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to provide safe and effective respiratory care within the legal scope of licensure and certification and in accordance with hospital policies and procedures

• Knowledge of respiratory care across the continuum and the needs of both general and critically ill patients

• Ability to manage respiratory equipment and appropriately troubleshoot clinical and technical concerns

• Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and respond or escalate concerns appropriately

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, physicians, staff, and the public

• Ability to follow the appropriate chain of command and utilize effective verbal and non-verbal communication

• Commitment to exceptional customer service and patient-centered care

• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team

• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency and crisis situations

• Successful completion of required training modules in Cardiac Stress Testing, Endotracheal Intubation, Neurology Testing, Pulmonary Function Testing, Blood Gas Lab, Arterial Catheterization, and Electrocardiogram procedures during the probationary period

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, potentially eight (8) hours or more per shift

• Frequent speaking, reading, writing, and communication throughout the workday

• Ability to work in confined or cramped spaces and around equipment that may produce vibration

• Frequent patient mobilization and assistance with positioning

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull more than 50 pounds

• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching

• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist movements requiring moderate dexterity

• Ability to hear soft voices from more than three feet away

• Frequent close visual work

• May occasionally be exposed to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, including x-ray and microwave sources

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a hospital and acute care environment, including areas caring for patients with varying levels of acuity and respiratory support needs.

• Regular exposure to the potential risk of bloodborne diseases.

• Exposure to electrical, mechanical, and powered medical equipment.

• Exposure to chemicals, specimens, and other healthcare environmental hazards.

• May encounter slippery or uneven surfaces and other conditions associated with a clinical environment.

• Requires the ability to respond promptly to emergency and crisis situations.

• Subject to irregular hours based on patient care and operational needs, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals and a variety of medical services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region.

About UNC Health
As part of the University of North Carolina system, UNC Health includes 14 hospitals and over 500 clinics, dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolinians.

Diversity and Inclusion
UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.