Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

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.

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

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.

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)…